Cancer Prevention in your Community

During the current federal budget cycle, proposals are being considered to significantly cut funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) chronic disease budget. A funding cut like this threatens to substantially weaken vital cancer prevention and control programs that address tobacco, nutrition, physical activity and obesity –all significant cancer risk factors.

Many do not realize that the CDC’s work is broad, and impacts us all. The CDC, working in partnership with state and local health departments, public health organizations, and state and community leaders, has a tremendous impact on our nation’s ability to build healthier communities and prevent and control cancer. 

That’s why ACS CAN brought together cancer advocates, health care professionals, congressional staff and patients last week on Capitol Hill to address the critical need to preserve funding for the CDC’s important role in cancer prevention at the community level. ACS CAN invited speakers to describe how three CDC programs: the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP), National Program of Cancer Registries, and the CDC’s support of cancer survivors through programs like the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program – make a very personal impact. 

Since its establishment in 1990, the NBCCEDP has served more than 5.2 million women, provided more than 12.5 million breast and cervical cancer screenings, and diagnosed more than 60,000 breast cancers and more than 3,800 cervical cancers. 

ACS CAN Tennessee advocate Debbie Pearsall is a breast cancer survivor who credits the NBCCEDP for saving her life. In 2012, Debbie  discovered a lump in her breast during a time when she did not have health  insurance. Debbie called her local health department and was  brought in immediately for an appointment where she was told that she qualified for the state’s breast and cervical cancer early detection  program. 

Debbie was diagnosed with a very aggressive type of stage 3 breast cancer. The program covered the costs of  her doctor’s appointments, treatments and surgeries until she was able to obtain employer health insurance. I’m  happy to report that today Debbie is cancer free. 

“The Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program is responsible for saving many lives daily, including  my own,” Debbie told the room on Capitol Hill. “We must remember this when making cuts from our federal  budget. Federal funding of this program and others at the CDC are crucial and necessary. There are many lives  at stake. We all deserve the chance to fight so that we may enjoy this wonderful gift of life.”

As members of Congress prepare to deliberate the FY 2018 budget, we urge them to support cancer research and prevention programs.