Volunteer advocates from across Utah, including cancer survivors, patients and caregivers, rallied at the state Capitol on Tuesday for ‘Cancer Action Day,’ an event hosted annually by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN). Advocates gathered inside the capitol rotunda to meet with their state lawmakers and urge them to support policies that aid in the fight against cancer.
According to the American Cancer Society, in 2025, more than 14,000 Utah residents will be newly diagnosed with cancer. More than 3,700 residents are expected to die from the disease, marking an increase from 2024.
“Cancer Action Day is a chance for patients and survivors to elevate their voices,” said Brook Carlisle, ACS CAN Utah government relations director. “Our organization is committed to working with state lawmakers to help prevent, treat, and end the cancer burden as we know it – for all Utahns. Our message to lawmakers today is – you play a crucial role in that fight.”
While data shows the cancer mortality rate continues to decline nationwide, alarming inequities in rates persist, most notably among Native American and Black people. Furthermore, recent data indicates cancer is the second-leading cause of death among Hispanic/Latino people. Compared with non-Hispanic White people, Hispanic men and women are less likely to be diagnosed with the most common cancers (lung, colorectal, breast, and prostate), but more likely to develop cancer in the liver, stomach, and cervix.
“I’ve seen firsthand how devastating a cancer diagnosis can be,” said Annalee Foster, ACS CAN Utah lead volunteer, whose brother and sister were both diagnosed with brain cancer. “I’m advocating for patients and survivors in memory of my brother and in honor of my sister. I see the difference early detection and access to quality health care can make. I believe everyone deserves that no matter where they’re from or their background.”
Volunteer advocates spoke with lawmakers about several policies that could impact cancer patients and survivors in Utah. Several also expressed their disappointment with some lawmakers’ refusal to move HB52, in its original form, forward through the legislature. If enacted, the bill would’ve adjusted Utah’s copay accumulator program, potentially saving patients battling chronic diseases unnecessary out-of-pocket costs.
‘Cancer Action Day’ coincided with ‘National Cancer Prevention Month’, which is observed annually during February.