Oregon Group Urges Congress to Make Cancer a National Priority

Oregon cancer advocates from Pendleton to Salem held virtual meetings with their members of Congress this week for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) annual Leadership Summit and Lobby Day to make the fight against cancer a national priority. The group joined nearly 700 other cancer patients, survivors and their loved ones from all 50 states and nearly every congressional district for the event on Tuesday, Sept. 28, which was held virtually due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The volunteers shared their stories with Oregon's members of Congress and their staff and urged them to support several issues to help increase cancer research and prevention, improve access to care and save lives.

“Cancer hasn’t stopped, so neither have we. Congress must take action to address the needs of cancer patients during and beyond the pandemic,” said Lisa Lacasse, president of ACS CAN. “We need consistent and significant increases in cancer research and prevention funding to ensure we maximize past investments and continue to make significant progress preventing and treating a disease that is projected to kill more than 600,000 Americans this year.”

In addition to urging lawmakers to boost cancer research and prevention funding, ACS CAN volunteers also encouraged lawmakers to ensure that the Affordable Care Act tax credits that are scheduled to expire at the end of 2022 are made permanent and to cosponsor the Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act, which would improve cancer screening and early detection efforts.

“Nearly 24,800 Oregonians will be diagnosed with cancer this year, and our Lobby Day is a perfect opportunity to make sure cancer issues are at the forefront and remind Congress about the critical role they play to help fight cancer in Oregon and across the country,” said Kathy Ottele, cancer survivor and ACS CAN state lead ambassador in Oregon.

The virtual meetings follow a Lights of Hope Across America event held Saturday, September 18 where more than 50,000 lit bags decorated with the names of those who’ve been touched by cancer were displayed in homes nationwide as a powerful message of hope. Oregon volunteers honored and remembered their loved ones with displays in homes and neighborhoods across the state.

To learn more about ACS CAN, visit www.fightcancer.org/oregon.

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About ACS CAN at 20

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) makes cancer a top priority for policymakers at every level of government. ACS CAN empowers volunteers across the country to make their voices heard to influence evidence-based public policy change that saves lives. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, find, treat, and survive cancer. Since 2001, as the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN has successfully advocated for billions of dollars in cancer research funding, expanded access to quality affordable health care, and made workplaces, including restaurants and bars, smoke-free. As we mark our 20th anniversary, we’re more determined than ever to stand together with our volunteers and save more lives from cancer. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.