The Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program is a bipartisan effort to increase the public’s understanding of cancer prevention and early detection. Families of Senate, House, Cabinet, Supreme Court and the Diplomatic Corps are invited to work within their respective constituencies to educate the public. The Congressional Families Program offers educational events, materials and resources to equip its members to bring the message of cancer prevention and early detection back to their communities.
Are you a Congressional, Administration, Diplomatic or Supreme Court spouse who is interested in joining us? Please contact us at congressional.families@preventcancer.org.
The Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program is a bipartisan network of spouses of members of the House, Senate, Administration, Supreme Court and the Diplomatic Community who share an interest in advancing cancer prevention, early detection and education.
The initiative began as a partnership between the Prevent Cancer Foundation, a national organization focused on cancer prevention through scientific research and education and the Congressional Club. The Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program has an Executive Council and Advisory Board that include over 200 spouses.
Launched in 1991, the program’s initial efforts focused on the areas of breast and prostate cancer. The success of the program’s first five years led to the expansion of its scope to add more preventable cancers: lung, skin, colorectal, cervical, testicular and oral cancer. The program offers spouses and family members (including Members of Congress) talking points, op-eds, letters to the editor, speeches, videos and many more program ideas and communication tools to use in their districts and beyond. With these tools, the Congressional Families Cancer Prevention program can take a broader healthy living, cancer prevention and early detection message to communities all across America and around the globe.
Below are just a few of the many efforts members have participated in to increase cancer prevent and early detection awareness including:
Appearing in television public service announcements (taped and distributed through the National Association of Broadcasters, a program underwriter)
Speaking to civic and other community groups
Writing articles and op-ed pieces for local papers and newsletters
Appearing on local television and radio talk shows
Organizing health fairs, special events and conferences
Working with health professionals to encourage a dialogue about cancer prevention
Participating in the signature annual awards luncheon held each fall
Attending informational seminars featuring leading, national medical experts
Nationwide, Congressional Families works toward a collective goal: to help saves lives through cancer prevention and early detection. Our vision is to Stop Cancer Before It Starts!
For more information about the Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program, please contact Lisa McGovern.
Executive Director
Lisa Murray McGovern has served as Executive Director of the Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program since 2003. The bipartisan program’s mission is to use the visibility afforded to Congressional, Administration, Supreme Court and Diplomatic spouses to carry the message of cancer prevention to communities and states throughout the country. More than 150 Congressional spouses participate in the program which is part of the Prevent Cancer Foundation, a non-profit organization.
Prior to joining Congressional Families, Lisa served as Deputy Director of Congressional Affairs at the General Services Administration from 1995-2001 during the Clinton Administration. In 1995, she was named as an alternate member of the President’s Interagency Council on Women.
From 1984 through 1995, Lisa was on personal staff in the office of Congressman Gerry Studds of Massachusetts and subsequently joined the staff of the Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee on which Mr. Studds sat and later chaired.
In 1989, Lisa married Jim McGovern of Worcester, Massachusetts. Jim was elected to the U.S. Congress in 1996. The McGoverns have a son, Patrick George, and a daughter, Molly Ginette.
Executive Council
Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program Executive Council 2023
The Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program offers a variety of informational events, resources and materials. The Program invites its members to work within their respective constituencies to educate the public about the message of healthy living, cancer prevention and early detection. Congressional Families’ two cornerstones of the program are the annual Action for Cancer Awareness Luncheon and Educational Events along with numerous other opportunities to get involved, educate and impact each members’ communities.
Action for Cancer Awareness Awards
Each fall, the Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program hosts its annual Action for Cancer Awareness Awards Luncheon. This event recognizes the activities of Congressional spouses, Members of Congress, the press and community advocates for their outstanding work to educate the public about cancer prevention and early detection.
Educational Events
The Program regularly hosts seminars and events, bringing together members, health professionals and medical experts; creating dialogue and equipping members with tools to bring the message of cancer prevention and detection back to their communities.
Submit Op-eds to Your Local Paper and Post on Social Media
Congressional Families offers members monthly templates for op-eds to publish in your local paper. We also send sample social media posts on a weekly basis to educate your constituents about cancer prevention and related topics.
Share Your Ideas
Some of our best ideas come from you! If you have an idea or an event you would like to share please contact Lisa McGovern.
Congressional Members and spouses – located in every state across the country – are powerful voices to spread the message of cancer prevention and early detection. This series invites Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program members to share timely and vital information with Americans to help us further our mission of saving lives across all populations.
The Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program presents “Real Spouses of Capitol Hill (RSOCH).” Hear from active congressional spouses about the value and ease of using the Program’s tools in your district/state to support people on their path to optimal health. It’s a great way to connect with constituents—and other congressional spouses. Cancer touches us all—it will take all of us to beat it.
The 29th Annual Action for Cancer Awareness Awards were held on Wednesday, September 21, 2022, on Capitol Hill honoring Abby Blunt (spouse of Sen. Roy Blunt, MO), Congressional Families Leadership; Hoda Kotb, Distinguished Service in Journalism; and Chris Evert, Excellence in Cancer Awareness. Read more about the honorees.
Each fall, Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program hosts its annual Action for Cancer Awareness Awards. Since 1993, the awards luncheon recognizes the activities of Congressional spouses, Members of Congress, the press and community advocates for their outstanding work to educate the public about cancer prevention and early detection and their work to improve access to cancer-related prevention and treatment services.
This signature event brings together Members of Congress; Congressional, Supreme Court and Diplomatic spouses; members of the scientific and medical community; and business and industry representatives in the cancer advocacy community to celebrate advancement in cancer prevention and early detection, highlighting the work of those making a difference.
Awards are presented in the following categories:
Congressional Families Leadership Award
This award honors a spouse or Congressional family member who makes a noted contribution in the field of cancer awareness. The nominee’s work should illustrate the use of his/her/their platform to engage attention to the education of the public about a cancer and the importance of early detection and prevention, mortality and incidence.
Distinguished Service in Journalism
The media is a powerful tool in the education of the public about cancer. This award honors a renowned journalist (print, television, radio, internet) who has made a significant and responsible contribution though his/her work to educate the need for cancer prevention, advances in cancer research and through recognition of current affairs in the realm of the cancer community and the public at large (e.g., mapping of the genome, mammography standards, promising discoveries at the bench).
Excellence in Cancer Awareness
We are fortunate in our country to have many great corporate leaders, athletes and other high profile citizens who are dedicated public servants. This nominee should reflect a commitment to cancer prevention and early detection through a special campaign or event, influencing public policy, improving access to screening and treatment and encouraging healthy lifestyle choices.
Previous Award Recipients
2022
Abby Blunt, spouse of Sen. Roy Blunt (Missouri) Hoda Kotb, co-anchor of “TODAY” and co-host of “TODAY” with Hoda & Jenna Chris Evert, tennis champion
2020
Terry Loebsack, spouse to Rep. Dave Loebsack (Iowa) Craig Melvin, news anchor for “Today”, co-host of “Today” 3rd hour and anchor on MSNBC Live Ken Jeong, actor/producer/writer/comedian Games Done Quick, charity video game marathon organization
2019
LeeAnn Johnson, spouse of Rep. Bill Johnson (Ohio) Amanda Soto, spouse of Rep. Darren Soto (Fla.) Patrick Dempsey, actor/producer and founder of the Dempsey Center U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Sarah Hospodor-Pallone, spouse of Rep. Frank Pallone (N.J.) Marie Royce, spouse of Rep. Edward Royce (Calif.) Laurie McGinley, health/medical reporter for The Washington Post Sun Bum®and Protect The Groms®
2016
Patricia Mica, spouse of former Rep. John Mica (Fla.) Summer Sanders, Olympic champion and television host Amy Robach, news anchor, ABC’s “Good Morning America”
2016 Luncheon highlights video:
2015
Franki Roberts, spouse of Rep. Pat Roberts (Kan.) Sharon Percy Rockefeller, President and Chief Executive Officer, WETA Siddhartha Mukherjee, M.D, Ph.D.,Assistant Professor of Medicine, Columbia University Sandra Lee,Chef, author and television personality
2014
Linda Bachus, spouse of Rep. Spencer Bachus (Ala.) Dr. Nancy Snyderman, NBC News Chief Medical Editor CVS Health, accepted by Dr. Andrew Sussman President, MinuteClinic and SVP/Associate Chief Medical Officer, CVS Health
2013
Landra Reid, spouse of Sen. Harry Reid (Nev.) Andrea Mitchel, NBC News and Host, MSNBC’s Andrea Mitchell Reports Shannon Miller, Olympian Healthy Base Initiative, Department of Defense (Special Recognition)
2013 Luncheon highlights videos:
Lisa McGovern – Introduction to the 2013 Awards Luncheon
Carolyn Aldigé – Introduction to the Prevent Cancer Foundation
Jennifer Griffin – Her Story and Awards Introduction
Landra Reid – Congressional Families Leadership Award
Andrea Mitchell – Distinguished Service in Journalism Award
Shannon Miller – Excellence in Cancer Awareness
Healthy Base Initiative – Special Recognition
2012
Marcelle Leahy, spouse of Sen. Patrick Leahy (Vt.) Barbara Morris-Lent, spouse of the late Rep. Norman Lent (N.Y.) Jennifer Griffin, national security correspondent, (FOX News Channel) Dara Torres, Olympian Ellen Noghès, spouse, H.E. the former Ambassador of Monaco (Special Recognition)
2011
Freda Manzullo, spouse of Rep. Don Manzullo (Ill.) Erin Andrews, ESPN Game Day Steve Andrews, seven-time Emmy Award-winning broadcast journalist Former Congressman Mike Castle, Del., Special Recognition Congresswoman Lois Capps (Calif.)
2010
Liz’s Legacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center’s Eppley Cancer Center Sam Champion, weather anchor, “Good Morning America” (ABC) Chef José Andrés, winner of the James Beard Outstanding Chef Award in 2011
2009
Betty Ann Tanner, spouse of former Congressman John Tanner (Tenn.) Kelly Corrigan, author and journalist Scott Hamilton, Olympian
2008
Suzie Dicks, spouse of former Congressman Norm Dicks (Wash.) Diana Enzi, spouse of Senator Mike Enzi (Wyo.) Robin Roberts, co-anchor, “Good Morning America” (ABC) Former Congresswoman Deborah Pryce (Ohio)
2007
Barbara Grassley, spouse of Senator Charles Grassley (Iowa) Barbara Johnson, spouse of Senator Tim Johnson (S.D.) Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Chief Medical Correspondent (CNN) Phil Gordon and Rafe Furst, Founders, Bad Beat on Cancer
2006
Elizabeth Edwards, spouse of former Senator John Edwards (N.C.) Joel Siegel, film critic, “Good Morning America” (ABC) Wendy Chioji, news anchor, WESH, Orlando (Fla.) Dr. Arvin S. Glicksman, Rhode Island Cancer Council
2005
Cecile Tauzin, spouse of former Congressman Billy Tauzin (La.) Deirdre Imus, author and environmentalist Karyn Green, news anchor, WXIA 11, Atlanta (Ga.) Lance Armstrong and Bristol-Myers Squibb Tour of Hope (Special Recognition)
2004
Linda Dooley, spouse of former Congressman Cal Dooley (Calif.) The Weather Channel Mayor Thomas Menino, Boston (Mass.) Former Congresswoman Sue Myrick (N.C.)
2003
Priscilla Dewey Houghton, spouse of former Congressman Amo Houghton (N.Y.) Cokie Roberts, news anchor (ABC) The SHADE Foundation – Curt and Shonda Schilling Melanoma Foundation of America and The SunWise School Program of the United States Environmental Protection Agency
2002
Barbara Bush, former First Lady Ann Curry, co-anchor, “Today Show” (NBC) Susan Love, MD, author and advocate
2001
Barbara Everett, spouse of former Congressman Terry Everett (Ala.) Melissa Thomas, director, Breast, Education, Screening and Treatment (BEST) program (Ohio) Leslie Mouton, news anchor, KSAT-TV, San Antonio (Texas)
2000
Tamra Bentsen, spouse of former Congressman Ken Bentsen (Texas) Jill Biden, spouse of Vice President Joseph Biden Ruth Ann LaMott and Barbara Raehl, Navigator Program, Munson Medical Center (Mich.) Shirley Ruedy, health columnist, Cedar Rapids Gazette (Iowa) Former Senator Connie Mack (Fla.) (Lifetime Achievement Award) Former Congressman John Porter (Ill.) (Lifetime Achievement Award)
1999
Debbie Dingell, spouse of Congressman John Dingell (Mich.) Katie Couric, co-anchor, “Today Show” (NBC) Dick Hirsh, MD, founder, Radiology Mammography International
1998
Sam Donaldson, news anchor (ABC) Mary Jane Fate, advocate, state of Alaska Nancy Murkowski, spouse of Senator Frank Murkowski (Ala.) Sue Ann Thompson, Wisconsin Women’s Health Foundation/spouse of Secretary of Health and Human Services Tommy Thompson
1997
Former Senator Connie Mack and Mrs. Pricilla Mack (Fla.) Andrea Roane, news anchor and reporter, WUSA 9 News; and the Women of Channel 9
1996
General H. Norman Schwarzkopf John Mack Carter, journalist Dolores Beilenson, spouse of former Congressman Anthony Beilenson (Calif.)
1995
Susan Ford Bales, daughter of President Gerald Ford and First Lady Betty Ford Dr. Elmer Huerta, director, Cancer Preventorium, Washington Cancer Institute Jane Seymour, actress and advocate Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, Supreme Court Justice
1994
Paula Zahn, co-anchor, “CBS This Morning” Harry Smith, co-anchor, “CBS This Morning”
1993
Phyllis Newman, actress and advocate Former Senator Bob Dole (Kan.) Congresswoman Doris Matsui, founder of Congressional Families Action for Cancer Awareness program, spouse of Congressman Bob Matsui (Calif.)
Congressional Families regularly hosts seminars and webinars, bringing together members, health professionals and medical experts; creating dialogue and equipping members with tools to bring the message of cancer prevention and detection back to their communities.
Upcoming Educational Events
Please check back later.
Past Events
Going beyond the pink: Congressional Families hosts breast cancer disparities webinar, October 20, 2021
More than 100 congressional spouses and members of the Hill community gathered for a Congressional Families Program webinar on “Understanding Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines and Overcoming Disparities.” Read more.
Stay Skin Healthy: Skin Care Advice from a Leading Dermatologist, July 22, 2021
The Congressional Families Program co-hosted a webinar with the Congressional Club—“Stay Skin Healthy: Ask the Expert”—featuring board-certified dermatologist Dr. Patricia Lucey. Read more.
“Too Young for This Sh*t: The Rise of Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer” Webcast, April 22, 2019
On April 22, Congressional Families hosted a live webcast at the National Association of Broadcasters to address the issue of rising rates of colorectal cancer in adults under 50. Read more and watch the webcast.
“What your zip code says about your health,” April 19, 2018
On April 19, the Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program hosted a webcast at the National Association of Broadcasters to discuss how where you live affects your health, with a focus on cancer and cancer prevention. Read more about this discussion and watch the webcast.
“Check Your Mate” seminar, February 15, 2018
Congressional Families hosted a seminar on February 15 to educate Congressional spouses about the importance of “checking your mate” for early signs of cancer and pre-cancer. Read more.
“How to reach out in YOUR district or state seminar,” October 4, 2017
On October 4, 2017, Congressional spouses gathered to share how to effectively use the tools and materials Congressional Families provides back in their districts. Read more.
Think About the Link® on Capitol Hill, June 29, 2017
Every year, thousands of men and women lose their lives to cervical cancer, liver cancer and other cancers caused by viruses. Read more.
Harnessing the power of social media, March 29, 2017
On March 29, Tammy Gordon, founder of Verified Strategy, a digital strategy and marketing firm, led a seminar on Harnessing the Power of Social Media for congressional spouses. Read more.
Cancer Prevention Leaders Honored at the 24th Annual Congressional Families Awards Luncheon, September 29, 2016
The Program’s signature event recognizes leaders in cancer prevention, bringing together a bipartisan group of supporters Read more.
Mindfulness, Meditation and Disease Prevention, June 15, 2016
A discussion at the U.S. Capitol about the role meditation and mindfulness play in disease prevention, stress reduction and healthy living Read more.
Hazards and Allure of Indoor Tanning Beds Briefing, May 20, 2015
A panel discussion about the dangers of indoor tanning beds and their accessibility to college students. Read more.
Lifestyle Matters Seminar, March 25, 2015
Dr. Nelson role delves into how lifestyle factors, such as a healthy diet, exercise, social support, and the environment play in reducing one’s risk for cancer. Read more.
2014 Annual Action for Cancer Awareness Awards Luncheon, September 18, 2014
At the 22nd annual awards luncheon cancer advocates were honored for their leadership in prevention. Read more.
2013 Annual Action for Cancer Awareness Awards Luncheon, November 19, 2013
The 21st annual signature event for the Congressional Families Program honored advocates for highlighting cancer prevention. Read more.
Women’s Cancers: New Science, New Activism, September 19, 2013
Actress, actor, and activist Fran Drescher joins with scientists to explore impacts of environmental risks on women’s cancers. Read more and watch event video.
Prevent Cancer Super Colon Visits Worcester, Mass., August 17, 2013
Over 400 visited the Prevent Cancer Super Colon at the 23rd Annual Latin American Festival in Worcester, Massachusetts. Read more.
Hive on the Hill: Queen Bee Trunk Show, August 1, 2013
The Queen Bee trunk show offered a one day sale on all Queen Bee creations, generously donating a portion of the proceeds to the Prevent Cancer Foundation. Read more.
Healthy Strategies for Children and Families June 18, 2013 – Webcast (Thank you to the National Association of Broadcasters for making this webcast possible).
Your Family Medical History: Why and What You Should Know May 1, 2013 – Webcast (Thank you to the National Association of Broadcasters for making this webcast possible).
Healthy Base Initiative Briefing, March 12, 2013
Representatives from the Department of Defense came to Capitol Hill to brief congressional spouses on the Healthy Base Initiative, a program the military is piloting to implement healthy habits among personnel. Read more.
Congressional Families helps congressional spouses organize, attend, highlight or connect with cancer-related events and organizations in their home districts. If you are interested in working with us on an activity in your district, email Lisa at lisa.mcgovern@preventcancer.org.
Past Events
Congressional Families visits Albie Aware Breast Cancer Foundation August 24, 2022
Congressional Families Program Executive Director Lisa McGovern, Program co-founder Rep. Doris Matsui (Calif.), and Rep. Jim McGovern (Mass.) visited Albie Aware Breast Cancer foundation, in Sacramento, California, which is supported by a 2022 Prevent Cancer Foundation community grant. With the Foundation’s funding, Albie Aware will bring mobile mammograms to at least 90 members of their local LGBTQ+ community and will hold a virtual event for breast cancer awareness.
Congressional spouses highlight community work in Maine August 4, 2022
Lisa McGovern, along with Mary Herman, spouse of Sen. Angus King (I-Maine), and Isobel Golden, spouse of Rep. Jared Golden (D-Maine), visited Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center, a 2021 Prevent Cancer Foundation community grantee, to call attention to the vital resources available to their Maine constituents that could increase cancer screening rates. In a partnership with the Bangor YMCA, EMMC provides free mammograms for anyone who meets age and annual income guidelines through the Maine Breast and Cervical Health Program (MBCHP).
Executive Council member LeeAnn Johnson hosts Cancer Prevention Day November 2, 2019
Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program® Executive Council member LeeAnn Johnson (spouse of Rep. Bill Johnson, Ohio), in collaboration with Memorial Health System and the Congressional Families Program®, hosted a Cancer Prevention, Early Detection & Wellness Day in Marietta, Ohio. The public event featured a Q&A discussion with medical experts and Congressional Families Executive Director Lisa McGovern, cancer screenings, wellness demonstrations and walk-through inflatable organs.
Bipartisan spouses visit McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital
November 9, 2018
Congressional Families Executive Director Lisa McGovern, Colleen Ochoa Peters (spouse of Sen. Gary Peters, D-MI), Cindy Bergman (spouse of Rep. Jack Bergman, R-MI), along with Ellen Noghès (spouse of former Ambassador of Monaco to the U.S. Gilles Noghès) visited McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital, which is supported by a Prevent Cancer Foundation community grant.
Many spouses promote cancer awareness in their communities by publishing an op-ed in their local state papers. An op-ed is a piece published under your name in your local paper; this is an effective way to educate your community.
Congressional Families offers monthly op-ed templates on coordinating national cancer awareness months. If you would like to publish an op-ed in your local paper please email or call Lisa McGovern or Cassie Smith (703) 837-3697 for a copy of this month’s template.
See an example of an op-ed published by spouse Barbara Grassley in her state newspaper.
Connect on Social Media
Congressional Families sends sample social media posts on a weekly basis coinciding with cancer awareness observances and other related events. This is a great way to connect with your constituents to spread education about cancer prevention. If you would like to receive these social media posts, please email Lisa McGovern or Cassie Smith.
Newsletters
Each spring and fall, Congressional Families sends out Actions, its bi-annual print newsletter. Click on the links to see a digital version of the newsletter and catch up with Congressional Families.
The initiative began as a partnership between the Prevent Cancer Foundation, a national organization focused on cancer prevention through scientific research and education and the Congressional Club. The Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program has an Executive Council and Advisory Board that include over 200 spouses.
Lisa Murray McGovern has served as Executive Director of the Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program since 2003. The bipartisan program’s mission is to use the visibility afforded to Congressional, Administration, Supreme Court and Diplomatic spouses to carry the message of cancer prevention to communities and states throughout the country. More than 150 Congressional spouses participate in the program which is part of the Prevent Cancer Foundation, a non-profit organization.
Barbara Grassley, spouse of Senator Charles Grassley (Iowa)
Barbara Everett, spouse of former Congressman Terry Everett (Ala.)
Former Senator Connie Mack and Mrs. Pricilla Mack (Fla.)
Cancer Prevention Leaders Honored at the 24th Annual Congressional Families Awards Luncheon, September 29, 2016
