DENVER, COLO. – August 9, 2023 – The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) hosted its 15th annual Colorado Policy Forum at the University of Colorado Cancer Center, Wednesday evening. Leaders from the public health, business, education, and government sectors gathered learn about the work being done to try to end cancer in the state.
During the event, medical doctors highlighted the drop in cancer screenings across Colorado. Disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic made disparities in cancer screenings worse. Doctors addressed the importance of early screening as a crucial step in the fight against cancer. These disparities are likely to impact the survival rates across groups of people who have systemically experienced social or economic obstacles to screening and care.
According to the American Cancer Society, more than 28,000 Coloradans will be diagnosed with cancer this year. Of those, more than 8,000 are expected to pass away from the disease.
In addition to the discussion of cancer screenings, ACS CAN also recognized U.S. Senator Michael Bennet as a champion in the fight against cancer. Sen. Bennet is a primary co-sponsor of the Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act, S.2085. The legislation is currently being considered in Congress and could potentially expand access to cancer screenings through a simple blood test.
Access pictures to the event using the following link: https://we.tl/t-jTDWmFDi6K