This September, Illinois ACS CAN advocates took on Capitol Hill where they met with every IL Senate and House office – many of which were conducted face-to-face with members of Congress themselves. Advocates urged lawmakers to increase federal research funding at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) through the appropriations process and by passing 21st Century Cures legislation. They also encouraged lawmakers to advance legislation that supports patients' quality of life by increasing access to palliative care, an extra layer of support that can be provided at any age or any stage of illness. Additionally, they called on lawmakers to close a loophole in Medicare that often results in surprise costs for seniors when a polyp is found during a routine colonoscopy.
After months of delay and hard negotiations, Congress has finally passed a funding bill! The bill includes a small increase for cancer research and prevention programs.