LAS VEGAS – AUGUST 21, 2024 – The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) and Mi Familia Vota held a roundtable discussion with Senator Jacky Rosen on Wednesday evening in Henderson. More than a dozen volunteers from both organizations called on Rosen to state her commitments to fighting cancer and prioritizing health care policies. An estimated 2 million Americans will be diagnosed with cancer this year. The disease will kill more than 1,600 each day. More than 18,000 Nevadans are expected to be diagnosed with cancer with more than 5,500 expected to die from the disease.
“Cancer continues to the second-leading cause of death in Nevada,” said Alex Garza, ACS CAN volunteer, Henderson resident, and two-time prostate cancer survivor. “As a survivor, I’ve seen the difference access to care made during my journey. All Nevadans deserve the same. That’s why we need lawmakers to be our advocates and make a pledge to prioritize cancer care, early detection, and prevention.”
Garza attended Wednesday’s roundtable. He was first diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2017. Shortly thereafter, he underwent a procedure to remove his prostate and the cancer. Unfortunately, the surgery wasn’t a success and prostate cancer returned one year later. Determined to fight, Garza embarked on a series of chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Five years later, he is cancer free and fighting for other Nevadans facing a similar diagnosis.
Wednesday’s roundtable effort was part of ACS CAN’s national Cancer Votes program – the nation’s leading cancer voter education program informing the public and candidates about the actions lawmakers need to take to make the fight against cancer a national priority.
ACS CAN sent its “Cancer Promise” pledge to both candidates in the Nevada U.S. Senate race and asked them to pledge to support cancer research funding, ensuring access to affordable, quality health coverage and ensuring access to cancer prevention services. ACS CAN is strictly nonpartisan and does not endorse, oppose, or contribute to any candidate or political party.
Cancer is one of the most prevalent and far-reaching diseases in the country, with approximately 1 in 3 Americans expected to receive a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime.
Government officials at the federal, state and local levels make decisions every day that impact the ability of people with cancer or who are at risk of developing cancer to fight and prevent the disease. ACS CAN encourages candidates to share their positions on issues regarding cancer and urges voters to make sure their registered to vote by visiting cancervotes.org.