Lawmakers Urged to Reduce Cancer Burden and Eliminate Crushing Medical Debt Through Legislative Action
Statement from American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) Iowa Government Relations Director Jackie Cale
Des Moines, Iowa – “As lawmakers dive into the 2025 legislative session, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) urges legislators to prioritize passing legislation to ease the burden of cancer on Iowans.
“Medical debt is a significant burden to those facing cancer. ACS CAN is asking lawmakers to prioritize legislation that would reduce the burden of medical debt for Iowans and prevent patients from incurring medical debt.
“According to the 2024 Cancer in Iowa report, Iowa has the fastest growing rate of new cancers in the U.S. Last year, 20,930 Iowans heard the words, “you have cancer.” State lawmakers have an opportunity to lessen the burden of a cancer diagnosis for those who will hear those words in the future.”
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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.