Cancer Patients, Survivors Travel to Pierre to Urge Legislators to Make Cancer Prevention a Priority

PIERRE, SD – February 12, 2024 – The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) brought advocates to the Statehouse Monday for the annual “Suits and Sneakers” Cancer Action Day. Cancer patients, survivors and their families and caregivers asked lawmakers to wear their suits and sneakers and to “get active” in making cancer a policy priority.

"South Dakota is a place where work ethic, taking care of your neighbors and common sense are alive and well,” ACS CAN South Dakota Government Relations Director Ben Hanson said. “At ACS CAN, we want to put all of those values to work by removing barriers to things like getting South Dakotans the life-saving screenings they need for early detection of breast cancer." 

New statistics show nearly 5,680 South Dakotans will be diagnosed with cancer in 2024, which is more than was estimated for 2023. An estimated 1,780 people will die from the disease this year alone. Those traveling to the Statehouse called on legislators to change that by:

•    Support Senate Bill 147, which creates a definition of palliative care, allowing for the application for federal grants for at-home care, which will help ease South Dakota’s healthcare workforce shortage.

•    Prioritize full access to voter-approved Medicaid Expansion, free of work reporting requirements.

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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.