Every year, 1.6 million Americans are told they have cancer. Cancer is the second leading cause of death and is responsible for an average of 1,580 deaths every day in the United States. The enormity of cancer can make us feel helpless, but there is something we can do. President Obama and Vice President Biden have created the National Cancer Moonshot, now is the time to make your voice heard at the local and national levels to change policies that promote cancer prevention and early detection. Fight for change, become a cancer prevention advocate.
The Prevent Cancer Foundation works with Congress, other healthcare and cancer organizations, state legislatures and grassroots advocates to support policies that will help Americans live healthier lives. We support bills that improve access to health services, reduce disparities in health care, fund crucial medical research and promote wellness and health education for all.
Not sure that have what it takes to advocate? There are many different types of advocacy including:
Personal: Speak up for yourself or on behalf of your loved ones. Be informed about the issues that impact you and take responsibility to ensure necessary changes are made so that you have the opportunity to live a healthy life.
Community: Represent the rights and interests of your community (your neighborhood, place of worship, community organization, etc.). We know one of the most powerful ways to prevent cancer is through education. Pass on your knowledge by educating those around on how to reduce their risk for cancer.
Legislative: Work with elected officials at the local, state or federal levels to educate and influence them on important legislative decisions. You have the power to make your elected decision-makers hear you.
Policy: Influence laws, regulations and rules that have an impact on your health and well-being. This can range from advocating for a federal law to enacting rules at your workplace.
Media: Increase public awareness and influence public interest in prevention and early detection through letters to the editor, social media, interviews and more.
Effective health care advocacy includes actions big and small- asking the right questions of your health care professionals, being a healthy role model for family and friends, developing strategies to improve access to health resources in your neighborhoods and communities or lobbying in the halls of state legislatures and Congress.
We hope you will join our team of grassroots advocates to promote the message of cancer prevention and early detection and take actionable steps to help Stop Cancer Before it Starts!™
Visit our website to take a look at our Advocacy program’s work and to learn more about becoming a cancer prevention advocate.
