The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) called on U.S. Senate candidates in Maryland to clearly state their commitments to fighting cancer, and one of the candidates, Congressman David Trone, sat down with cancer survivors earlier today to discuss policies that alleviate the burden of cancer, a disease that continues to kill more than 1,600 Americans every day. The effort is part of ACS CAN’s national Cancer Votes program – the country’s leading voter education program for cancer-related issues and policies.
This afternoon, cancer survivors and ACS CAN volunteers gathered at the Black Lion Café in Silver Spring to connect with Congressman Trone about why cancer is an election issue. A two-time breast cancer survivor from Montgomery County, Liza Fues was able to share what motivates her to participate in the Cancer Votes program and connect with candidates on key issues impacting the cancer community.
“Important decisions about cancer are made not only in the doctor’s office, but also in the halls of Congress. Our elected officials make decisions every day about health issues that affect people here in Maryland,” said two-time breast cancer survivor and ACS CAN volunteer Liza Fues. “With 1 in 3 Americans expected to get cancer at some point in their life, the importance of these issues cannot be overstated. The candidates need to rise above campaign politics and talk about how they plan to end cancer as we know it, in our lifetime. I also urge voters to know where their candidates stand on these critical issues before they head to the polls.”
ACS CAN sent its Cancer Promise pledge to all candidates in the race for U.S. Senate in Maryland and asked them to pledge their support for cancer research funding, ensuring access to affordable, quality health coverage, and ensuring access to cancer prevention services. Congressman Trone and Governor Larry Hogan have both signed in support.
The ACS CAN Cancer Promise pledge states:
“I recognize the critical role that elected officials play in leading public policy changes that are vital to the fight against cancer. As such, I promise to help advance policies and legislation supported by ACS CAN that work to end cancer as we know it, for everyone, by accelerating cures, improving access to care, and ensuring access to cancer prevention and early detection services, including tobacco control.
If elected, I pledge to:
- Support sustainable annual increases in cancer research funding for the National Institutes of Health and the National Cancer Institute.
- Protect existing laws and support legislation to expand health care options that help patients access quality, affordable health care.
- Support legislation to ensure access to cancer prevention services, including tobacco control and access to lifesaving cancer screenings.”
“It was great to be able to connect with Congressman Trone about the issues that are impacting cancer patients, a disease that is estimated to kill 10,310 people in Maryland this year,” said Fues. “I was especially interested in participating in the Cancer Votes program because sustainable annual increases in funding for cancer research have helped potentially save my daughters’ lives. As the carrier of the BRCA gene mutation, which my daughters inherited, our cancer risk is heightened. Strides in cancer research, enabled through funding, helped guide me in my treatment decisions and my daughters to take steps to reduce their cancer risk. Without continued research funding, we will miss the chance to discover the next breakthrough and save more lives.”
Throughout the campaign season, volunteers across the country will be attending candidate events, canvassing neighborhoods, holding rallies and distributing voter guides that include the candidates’ positions on cancer issues. ACS CAN volunteers have requested meetings with the other candidates for U.S. Senate in Maryland.
Individuals can register to vote and find their polling location by visiting cancervotes.org. ACS CAN is strictly nonpartisan and does not endorse, oppose, or contribute to any candidate or political party. For more information, visit cancervotes.org.
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About ACS CAN
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) advocates for evidence-based public policies to reduce the cancer burden for everyone. We engage our volunteers across the country to make their voices heard by policymakers at every level of government. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, detect, 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 stand with our volunteers, working to make cancer a top priority for policymakers in cities, states and our nation’s capital. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.
American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network
655 15th St NW, Suite 503
Washington, DC 20005
