Press Room

A new report released by the American Cancer Society (ACS) last month revealed a shift in the burden of the disease from men to women. Cases of cancer are declining in men while diagnoses are rising in women, specifically younger women. A continued drop in cancer mortality was also noted in the report, thanks in part to advances in early detection and treatment of cancer. The report coincides with the beginning of the 2025 legislative session and the recent introduction of House Bill 433. Supporters of Representative Gina Curry’s legislative proposal include the nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate of ACS, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), and Susan G. Komen For the Cure. One ACS CAN volunteer, a local Pittsburgh breast cancer survivor, is sounding the alarm on the recent report and urging state lawmakers to see House Bill 433 as an opportunity to address the troubling trend.

Governor Josh Shapiro presented his state budget to the legislature yesterday, outlining his vision for the coming fiscal year. In his budget address, Governor Shapiro proposed to maintain funding for key cancer prevention and detection programs and acknowledged health care costs and price transparency as a continued area of interest, which secured high praise from patient advocates concerned over the role cancer plays in limiting Pennsylvanians’ financial mobility. Advocates are hopeful that the budget negotiation process yields progress on additional health care affordability issues, including Pennsylvanians’ access to paid leave, medical debt relief and lifesaving medications.

A new report by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) found that over 70% of commercially-insured patients encountered out-of-pocket expenses for follow-up breast cancer diagnostic tests in 2023. These follow-up tests, such as a diagnostic mammogram, MRI, ultrasound or biopsy, are medically recommended next steps to determine if an individual may or may not have cancer; however, barriers like cost can keep people from getting them.

The following is a statement from American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) Pennsylvania Government Relations Director Donna Greco:

“In 2024, ACS CAN was proud to see the Pennsylvania Legislature mobilize swiftly and in a bipartisan manner to bring the promise of precision medicine to more patients. Beginning in the new year, Act 39 of 2024 will make it so that all patients who can benefit and are insured through a state-regulated health plan will receive coverage for biomarker testing, a game changer in the fight against cancer and an essential step in accessing precision medicine treatments. Pennsylvanians also secured a victory for access to care through Act 42 of 2024, the newly enacted legislation that includes telemedicine as a covered benefit in the Commonwealth.

Harrisburg residents and cancer advocates gathered at the Pennsylvania War Veterans’ Memorial Fountain outside of the Capitol building in Harrisburg this evening to honor the lives affected by cancer with a heartfelt display of 270 Lights of Hope bags representing the estimated 27,000 Pennsylvanians who will die from the disease in 2024. The personalized Lights of Hope bags were lined along the fountain, which was lit pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, to symbolize the strength, hope and memories of those touched by cancer.

Senator Devlin Robinson received the National Distinguished Advocacy Award this week, the most prestigious award presented by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), in recognition of his significant contribution in the fight against cancer. 

A recent poll by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) shows 8 in 10 (86%) Pennsylvania voters view a candidate’s position on access to affordable, comprehensive health coverage as a vote-determining factor.

The Pennsylvania Legislature passed and Governor Shapiro certified the 2024-25 budget—the contents of which reflect a step in the right direction in the effort to end cancer as we know it for everyone.

Today, Governor Shapiro signed House Bill 1754 into law, securing a major win for patients across Pennsylvania. The new law will require all state-regulated health plans, including Medicaid, to cover comprehensive biomarker testing, which will enable more Pennsylvanians to access biomarker testing that can open the door to precision medicine. Targeted treatment can lead to fewer side effects, improved survival, better quality of life and potentially lower costs for patients facing cancer and other serious illnesses.  

Earlier today, the Pennsylvania State Senate unanimously passed House Bill 1754, the bipartisan proposal to increase access to biomarker testing. The bill will now go to Governor Shapiro’s desk, providing him the opportunity to ensure coverage of this essential testing for more Pennsylvanians. The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) and the PA Biomarker Testing Coalition are advocating for this significant policy change to ensure more cancer patients and people with other illnesses and diseases can get the testing needed to access precision medicine.