WASHINGTON -- January 30, 2012 -- The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network sent a letter to House and Senate Conference Committee members, urging them to protect families affected by cancer by opposing any cuts to the Prevention and Public Health Fund and any further cuts to the health insurance premium assistance tax credits as a way to pay for the payroll tax extension. The letter explains that this year, it is projected that more than 579,000 Americans will die from cancer. Evidence shows that half of those cancer deaths could be prevented if people had access to proven screenings, tobacco cessation and proper nutrition and physical activity. The Prevention and Public Health Fund for the first time makes an historic investment in refocusing the nation on preventing disease before it occurs, rather than waiting to treat until people they get sick. The letter goes on to indicate that cuts to premium tax subsidies will make health care less accessible and less affordable to low and middle income families. Imposing tax penalties on families who unintentionally underreport their income because of a life or employment status change mid year could dissuade individuals from purchasing insurance in the first place, opting instead to pay a penalty up front rather than risk having to pay a hefty tax bill later on. ACS CAN, the nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society, supports evidence-based policy and legislative solutions designed to eliminate cancer as a major health problem. ACS CAN works to encourage elected officials and candidates to make cancer a top national priority. ACS CAN gives ordinary people extraordinary power to fight cancer with the training and tools they need to make their voices heard. For more information, visit www.fightcancer.org. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Alissa Crispino or Steven Weiss American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Phone: (202) 661-5772 or (202) 661-5711 Email: [email protected] or [email protected] #cancer #acscan #prevention #aca #publichealth