FRANKFORT, KY – After three years of virtual Cancer Action Days, cancer patients, survivors and caregivers from across the state traveled to the capitol in Frankfort yesterday to meet in person with their elected officials. They let their lawmakers know they can and must do better to treat cancer.
Volunteers asked the lawmakers to pass biomarker testing legislation, House Bill 180, that will enable more patients to benefit from biomarker testing, an essential step in accessing precision medicine treatments. Dubbed ‘the right treatment at the right time,’ precision medicine has played a critical role in improving cancer outcomes. Passing this legislation would improve access to care and reduce the burden of cancer on Kentuckians.
Roughly 30,270 Kentucky residents will be diagnosed with cancer this year. Having access to insurance-covered biomarker testing gives them the best chance of survival. Those gathered at the capitol yesterday are calling on Kentucky lawmakers to make the fight against cancer a priority.
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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.
