TOPEKA, Kan. – June 29, 2018 – Cancer survivors, health care providers and representatives from advocacy groups joined Gov. Jeff Colyer today at a signing ceremony for a bill to improve patient quality of life.
The new law establishes an advisory council to expand palliative care access for patients with serious, long-term illnesses. Through palliative care, patients work with a team of doctors to manage the burdensome symptoms and side effects that come with a serious disease. It can be received alongside curative treatment and has been proven to improve patient satisfaction, boost their quality of life and add a critical layer of support to their care.
“As a doctor, I understand the value of treating the patient as a whole - instead of just treating a disease,” Colyer said. “Every patient has different needs and goals, and palliative care ensures their specific requirements are met throughout treatment. I’m proud to sign this bill into law to give Kansans better access to this type of care.”
Twenty representatives attended the ceremony from the following organizations: the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, Lawrence Memorial Hospital, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, National Alliance on Mental Illness, University of Kansas Cancer Center, University of Kansas Medical Center and Via Christi Health in Wichita.
“Palliative care is one of the fastest-growing trends in health care, and Kansas can now help lead the way by offering better access to it,” said Jordan Feuerborn, Kansas government relations director for ACS CAN. “We’re grateful to Governor Colyer for committing to support patients and families facing life-altering conditions like cancer.”
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.
