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Senator Sherrod Brown to Receive National Distinguished Advocacy Award
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American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network
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Senator Sherrod Brown to Receive National Distinguished Advocacy Award for Excellence in Cancer-Fighting Public Policy
Award is highest honor bestowed by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network
WASHINGTON DC – September 18, 2014 – Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) was awarded the National Distinguished Advocacy Award, the most prestigious honor bestowed by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) in recognition of his relentless commitment to ensuring seniors who receive potentially lifesaving colon cancer preventive procedures are not hit with unfair and burdensome costs.
The annual award is given by ACS CAN, the advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society, to select lawmakers who demonstrate solid, consistent leadership in the area of cancer-related public policy advocacy.
“Senator Brown has been a champion in advancing cancer screening initiatives for Ohioans, and all Americans” said Christopher W. Hansen, president of ACS CAN. “With his unwavering commitment to fighting cancer through public policy, Senator Brown is a national leader in the realm of public health.”
Brown’s legislation, the Removing Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Act, would ensure that all colorectal cancer screenings remain cost-free for Medicare beneficiaries, whether or not a polyp is removed. By allowing Medicare to cover the costs of this potentially lifesaving procedure, this bill would eliminate the Medicare billing problem that disincentives seniors from getting screened and enable Medicare beneficiaries to live healthier lives without breaking the bank. While colorectal cancer screening is a proven preventive tool that saves lives, only about one in every three adults aged 50-75 will get screened. Many of those who don’t choose to get screened cite cost as the reason.
“It’s an honor to receive the National Distinguished Advocacy Award, which is a reflection of the progress we’ve made in increasing access to cancer screenings and promoting preventive care,” said Senator Brown.
“While there is still much work to be done, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network is helping to ensure that one day soon, we can declare cancer a disease of the past. I look forward to continuing our work together.”
On behalf of all those who have been touched by cancer, ACS CAN applauds Senator Brown’s passion and determination to enact meaningful legislation that saves lives from cancer.
ACS CAN is the nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate organization of the American Cancer Society, dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem. ACS CAN works to encourage lawmakers, candidates and government officials to support laws and policies that will make cancer a top national priority. ACS CAN gives ordinary people extraordinary power to fight cancer. For more information, visit www.fightcancer.org.
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