Special to Wesson News
Nearly 100 cancer patients, survivors and caregivers from across the state traveled to the State Capitol in Jackson last month to tell Mississippi lawmakers to make fighting cancer a priority by expanding Medicaid.
In Mississippi, 18,000 people are expected to be diagnosed with cancer this year, and nearly 8,000 will die from the disease, they explained in linking cancer-fighting steps to Medicaid expansion as a priority. Their visit was part of the annual American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) Cancer Action Day event.
“As a cancer advocate, I let my lawmakers know if we’re going to eliminate cancer as a major health problem in Mississippi, Medicaid expansion must be their priority goal,” said Jessica Breazeale of Wesson. “By making Medicaid expansion a priority, we can ensure ongoing progress in reducing suffering and death from cancer. Our elected leaders must understand they are representatives of each one of the 18,000 people who are estimated to be diagnosed with cancer this year in Mississippi.”
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) advocates for evidence-based public policies to reduce the cancer burden for everyone. The network engages volunteers across the country to make their voices heard by policymakers at every level of government. ACS CAN believes 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. Its volunteers work to make cancer a top priority for policymakers in cities, states and the nation’s capital. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.
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