ACS CAN Leadership Summit and Lobby Day: Advocating for cancer patients nationwide

On September 15th through 17th, ACS CAN hosted its annual Leadership Summit and Lobby Day, where over 750 volunteers from across the country gathered to meet with lawmakers and advocate for policies that improve the lives of cancer patients. This pivotal event united advocates, survivors, and caregivers in Washington, D.C. with one mission: to ensure that cancer remains a top priority in public policy.

What Is the Leadership Summit?

The Leadership Summit is a multi-day event where advocates participate in workshops and training sessions to prepare for their meetings with lawmakers. Attendees also hear from experts in cancer research, policy, and advocacy who provide updates on the latest initiatives and legislative priorities. This year’s summit featured sessions focused on expanding access to mammograms and other preventive screenings, as well as updates on the latest breakthroughs in cancer treatments.

What Is Lobby Day?

Lobby Day is a chance for ACS CAN advocates to meet with members of Congress from their area to discuss critical issues related to cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment. Volunteers are equipped with the necessary training and resources to have impactful conversations about life saving policies. During these meetings, advocates push for legislation that supports access to cancer screenings, funding for cancer research, and programs that ensure everyone, regardless of their financial situation, has access to high-quality cancer care.

 

Key Issues on the Agenda

  • At this year’s ACS CAN Leadership Summit and Lobby Days, advocates focused on several key policy priorities that sought to improve the lives of cancer patients and survivors. First and foremost, there was a strong push to increase federal funding for cancer research. Adequate funding is essential to ensure that scientists and researchers have the necessary resources to continue developing new treatments and enhancing patient care. Research breakthroughs could lead to improved cancer detection methods, more effective therapies, and ultimately higher survival rates.
  • Another critical area of focus was expanding access to preventive cancer screenings. Early detection can significantly improve survival rates for many types of cancer, particularly breast and cervical cancer. By advocating for broader access to affordable screenings, including mammograms and Pap tests, ACS CAN hopes to remove barriers that prevent individuals from getting the early care they need. Ensuring that these life-saving screenings are available to all, regardless of income or insurance status, is a top priority.
  • Additionally, advocates sought to push for the reauthorization of national cancer programs like the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP). This program offers free or low-cost screenings to uninsured and underinsured individuals, playing a crucial role in early detection and prevention efforts. By reauthorizing and expanding this program, ACS CAN aims to ensure that more individuals, particularly those in underserved communities, have access to the care they need to detect cancer early when treatment is most effective.

Why Lobby Day Matters

ACS CAN’s Lobby Day is an opportunity for advocates to make their voices heard at the highest levels of government. When policymakers hear directly from constituents who have been affected by cancer, it personalizes the issues and can inspire legislative action. Each year, these meetings result in tangible policy changes that improve cancer care and prevention nationwide.

Get Involved

Although the ACS CAN Leadership Summit and Lobby Day already passed, you can still get involved in lobbying efforts. Check out the lobbying resources on our website. You can also get involved in state Cancer Action Days, which run through most of the year, where you can meet with your state’s legislators to push for important, state-specific, cancer-fighting legislation.
~Neil Chandran NCYET Advocacy Subcommittee Member

About the American Cancer Society

The American Cancer Society is a leading cancer-fighting organization with a vision to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. For more than 110 years, we have been improving the lives of people with cancer and their families as the only organization combating cancer through advocacy, research, and patient support.  We are committed to ensuring everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. To learn more, visit cancer.org or call our 24/7 helpline at 1-800-227-2345.

 

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