ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Earlier this week, a new investigative report revealed that the federal government has been aware of the risks that radioactive waste posed to communities in St. Louis for 75 years. According to the report, the federal government’s response to the contamination was slow and insufficient and consistently undervalued the health impact on the community.
“We are concerned for the health and well-being of our community and making sure community members’ voices are heard,” said Lauren Puplampu, engagement manager, Health Equity with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN). ACS CAN staff in Missouri have been closely monitoring the situation to ensure the community is heard.
Cancer impacts everyone, but it doesn't impact everyone equally. Despite some progress, Black communities still have a higher cancer burden and face greater obstacles to cancer prevention, detection, treatment, and survival because of systemic factors that are complex and go beyond the obvious connection to cancer. The 5-year relative survival rate is lower among Black people than white people for every stage of diagnosis in the four most common cancer sites. ACS CAN advocates for all people to have access to comprehensive, affordable health care that includes screening, treatment and follow-up.
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About ACS CAN
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 improves the lives of people with cancer and their families. 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 advanced proven tobacco control measures. We’re more determined than ever to stand together with our volunteers to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.