NEW YORK, NY – Cancer survivors, patients, caregivers and others will launch the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) Virtual Week of Action today to advocate in support of city programs to save lives and protect all New Yorkers. They are asking Mayor Bill de Blasio and the City Council to do their part to reduce the toll of tobacco and maintain access to vital cancer screenings for all residents by maintaining their current commitments in funding for the 2021-22 City Budget.
The week is being kicked off with the delivery of letters to Mayor Bill de Blasio and City Council Speaker Corey Johnson asking them to support tobacco control programs as well as prevention and early detection.
“As we all know, the COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically upended lives and the economy. But as our city begins to rebound, we must not forget that one in two men and one in three women will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime and more than 40,000 new cancer cases and 12,000 cancer deaths will occur in New York City in 2021,” said Michael Davoli, New York City & New Jersey government relations director of ACS CAN.
“With nearly 50% of cancer patients and survivors reporting a change in their ability to pay for care due to the pandemic, and nearly 80% experiencing delays in active treatment, city leaders must ensure that the city budget ensures that patients have access to the care they need. At the same time the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene reported last week that 35.5% of New Yorkers who smoke reported smoking more since the pandemic began. It is crucial that we keep up our support for tobacco use prevention and smoking cessation if we are going to prevent more lives from being lost to cancer.”
####
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.