HELENA, Mont.—Cancer patients, survivors and volunteer advocates from across Montana met virtually Thursday with U.S. Senate candidate Gov. Steve Bullock for a nonpartisan discussion on policies and issues that are critical to fighting cancer. The meeting was part of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) Cancer Votes campaign—the nation’s leading voter education program informing the public and candidates about the actions lawmakers should take to make fighting cancer a national priority.
Throughout the campaign season, ACS CAN calls on Montana’s major U.S. Senate candidates to state their position on cancer issues such as access to quality and affordable health care, including rural cancer care. ACS CAN also issued an invitation to Sen. Steve Daines to meet with volunteers.
"Important decisions about cancer are not just made in doctor’s offices. Congress makes decisions every day about health issues that affect Montanans," said Keri Yoder, Helena resident and state lead volunteer for ACS CAN Montana. "This year alone, roughly 5,850 Montanans will be diagnosed with cancer and more than 2,100 will die from it. It’s important for voters to know where our candidates stand on policies to help save lives from cancer, and ACS CAN looks forward to working with whomever is elected."
During the open dialogue, Yoder shared her experience as a caregiver for her mother and discussed the challenges of cancer care in rural Montana. Fellow participants included Alona Jarmon, who discussed Native American health equity and cancer issues; and Leah Zins, a cancer survivor who discussed how access to health care through Medicaid saved her life and the critical importance of quality, affordable health coverage for people with preexisting conditions.
A link to the conversation is available here. ACS CAN is strictly non-partisan and does not endorse, oppose, or contribute to any candidate or political party. For more information, visit www.cancervotes.org.
About ACS CAN
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) is making cancer a top priority for public officials and candidates at the federal, state and local levels. ACS CAN empowers advocates across the country to make their voices heard and influence evidence-based public policy change as well as legislative and regulatory solutions that will reduce the cancer burden. As the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN is critical to the fight for a world without cancer. For more information, visit www.fightcancer.org.