2020 Maine Session Summary
Victory in the fight against cancer requires bold new public policies that promote cancer prevention, early detection of cancer, and expand access to quality, affordable health care.
News
Congresswoman Rodgers attends Spokane quality of life forum
April 6, 2015
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U.S. Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers at the ACS CAN patient quality of life forum.[/caption]
Sitting together in a meeting room at Providence Sacred Heart Hospital in Spokane, WA, theyξall told similar stories.
Pain management. Emotional support. Family consultations.
However, they weren't referring to a hospital support group. They were talking about a medical specialty called palliative care that treats patients beyond just diagnosing symptoms and prescribing treatments.
Sacred Heart's 15-member palliative care team is a group of doctors, nurses and other health care professionals working together with the patient, their family and caregiver to provide a full range of services to improve the patient's quality of life. Services can include pain control, nutrition, counseling and simply being a resource to explain treatment options in a way that a patient and their loved ones can truly understand.
The special guest at the meeting was Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers. As a member of the Republican leadership team in the U.S. House of Representatives, she has a powerful perch from which to address the needs of cancer patients who would benefit from palliative care.
In May, ACS CAN is expected to announce new legislation that will be introduced in Congress to bolster training, research and education around palliative care. The goal is for hospitals and medical centers to be able to provide more palliative care to the growing number of patients facing cancer and other chronic illnesses.
The event, organized by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), is one of many taking place around the country to educate lawmakers about the important role palliative care plays in treating patients with chronic diseases like cancer.
If you're interested in learning more about ACS CAN's palliative care campaign and getting involved in helping pass legislation that improves the quality of life for cancer patients, take our one-question survey and check the box that says Quality of Life. This will ensure you receive periodic updates and opportunities to take action on this important issue.