CHEYENNE, Wyo. - February 22, 2024 – Access to affordable, quality healthcare remains elusive for too many Wyomingites, a message delivered clearly when cancer advocates from throughout the state gathered in Cheyenne as part of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network’s Cancer Action Day.
Victory in the fight against cancer requires bold new public policies promoting cancer prevention, early detection and expanding access to quality, affordable health care. Lawmakers make many decisions that impact the lives of Wyomingites affected by cancer and their leadership is vital to defeating this disease. Providing individuals and families access to affordable, comprehensive health care coverage is critical in the fight against cancer.
ACS CAN volunteers and advocates ask the Wyoming Legislature to appropriately fund state health programs that reach far into our communities providing access to affordable lifesaving cancer screening, chronic disease prevention and behavioral health programs. Further, they ask lawmakers to work into the 2025 legislative session to find a solution that provides affordable, adequate access to health insurance for our neighbors in the coverage gap who can’t afford private insurance and don’t qualify for Medicaid.
“Cancer continues to kill too many Wyomingites,” ACS CAN Wyoming State Lead Ambassador Tina Hoebelheinrich said. “That burden can be eased if legislators prioritize funding for the healthcare systems essential for everybody to have the quality of life and peace of mind we all deserve. We let lawmakers know that they have the power to ease the cancer burden and that this should be a top priority in this and every session.”
Regular visits to healthcare providers and appropriate screenings and diagnostics are a significant factor in early identification and treatment of cancer, improving overall health outcomes and saving lives. Thousands of Wyoming residents work hard yet often cannot afford to make healthcare a priority in their lives. Unquestionably, this means individuals making lower incomes are less likely to survive cancer diagnosis, a reality that should be unacceptable to all, including Wyoming legislators who have the power to affect this troubling reality.
This year, more than 3,300 Wyomingites will be diagnosed with cancer and an estimated 1,320 will die from the disease. But ACS CAN volunteers are eager to work with legislators to change that and ask lawmakers to prioritize the health of their family, friends and neighbors in this and ensuing sessions.
###
About ACS CAN
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) advocates for evidence-based public policies to reduce the cancer burden for everyone. We engage our volunteers across the country to make their voices heard by policymakers at every level of government. We believe 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. We stand with our volunteers, working to make cancer a top priority for policymakers in cities, states and our nation’s capital. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.
