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April 13, 2021
AUSTIN, TX – April 13, 2021 – Sponsored by Sen. Huffman and Sen. Zaffirini, SB 1028 will be heard by the Senate Business and Commerce Committee today at 8 a.m.
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) is in support of the bipartisan legislation that would save thousands of lives lost from a disease that is easily detected and prevented by making it more affordable for Texans to receive their lifesaving colorectal cancer screenings.
Despite being preventable if screened, colorectal cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer death in Texas. Half of colorectal cancer deaths could be prevented each year if every individual age 45 and older received their recommended colorectal cancer screenings.
The American Cancer Society Colorectal Cancer Screening guidelines state that a follow-up colonoscopy in this situation should be completed without any cost to the patient as an integral part of the preventative screening process – a fact not currently reflected in our state law. Unfortunately, too many Texans fail to do so due to this major financial barrier.
Another alarming reality is that many put off their potentially lifesaving cancer screenings due to the pandemic and experts anticipate an increase in late stage cancer diagnosis and deaths as a result. The bill would have a significant impact in addressing the backlog in screenings caused by the pandemic.
An estimated 11,280 Texas residents will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer this year and more than 4,000 will die from the disease.
WHAT: Comment following the committee hearing
WHO: Local colorectal cancer survivors who were diagnosed at a young age share how impactful such legislation would be for reducing the high colorectal cancer mortality rates in Texas and needless lives lost to colorectal cancer
- Allison Rosen, colorectal cancer survivor diagnosed at age 32 and Houston resident
- Lindsey Reeves, colorectal cancer survivor diagnosed at age 38 and Austin resident
WHEN: The above cancer advocates will share their testimony during today’s committee hearing today at 8 a.m. and are available immediately after the hearing for any video or phone interviews.
**Interviews outside the timeframe are available upon request. Statement to follow**
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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.
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