Statement on the Passing of Sen. John McCain

PHOENIX  – Today, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network released the following statement on the passing of U.S. Sen. John McCain:

“The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network and our volunteers are deeply saddened by the passing of Arizona Sen. John McCain.

“The awful disease that claimed his life is estimated to kill another 12,000 Arizonans and nearly 610,000 Americans across the country this year. These harrowing statistics and Sen. McCain’s 2017 devastating diagnosis of glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer, remind us why we advocate. The robust life of the senator will long be remembered worldwide for his role in national and world affairs. In the cancer community, as a multiple-time cancer survivor, he showed that cancer survivorship can be compatible with a productive and meaningful lifestyle.

“The federal government has played a role in supporting almost every breakthrough in cancer research through funding appropriated to the National Institutes of Health and the National Cancer Institute. That research has led to everything from breakthroughs to lessen the pain and suffering of cancer to new cures — to innovative ways to prevent and treat the disease.

“It is important to note that in one of his final official acts, Sen. McCain preserved the ability for cancer patients, survivors and others with pre-existing chronic conditions to maintain access to health insurance.

“Our hearts are with Sen. McCain’s family, and we will continue to advocate for cancer research funding and evidenced-based policies that reduce death and suffering from cancer.

"Sen. McCain will be remembered rightly as a national hero."

About ACS CAN

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.

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