Arizona Cancer Action Day: Advocates Push for Screening Access & Tobacco Protections

Phoenix, Arizona, hosted a significant advocacy day on Thursday as dozens of volunteers gathered at the State Capitol to urge lawmakers to prioritize cancer prevention and access to screenings. The event, organized by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), brought together cancer survivors, patients, caregivers, and representatives from partner organizations.

Advocates Push for Key Legislation

Attendees met with state lawmakers to advocate for policies aimed at strengthening protections against tobacco industry influence and expanding access to potentially life-saving cancer screenings. The day began at Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza, where participants shared personal stories and prepared for meetings with legislators. A ‘HOPE wall’ was erected, providing a visual representation of the impact of cancer on Arizonans and a space for messages of support.

Focus on Breast and Prostate Cancer

Advocates specifically focused on two bills designed to remove financial barriers to cancer screenings. HB2617 seeks to eliminate cost-sharing for high-risk men undergoing prostate cancer screening – a cancer that remains the most frequently diagnosed among men in Arizona. High-risk men are defined as African American men and those with a family history of the disease.

Did You Know? When prostate cancer is detected early, the five-year survival rate is nearly 100 percent.

SB1165 aims to ensure comprehensive coverage for medically necessary breast cancer screenings, with advocates emphasizing the importance of follow-up exams after an initial mammogram. Maria Martinez, a two-time breast cancer survivor from Tucson, shared her experience with lawmakers, explaining that early detection through an MRI was crucial in preventing her cancer from becoming metastatic.

Broader Concerns and Funding Requests

Beyond these two bills, advocates also requested continued funding – exceeding $1.3 million – for the Arizona Well Woman HealthCheck programme, which provides vital screening services to low-income, uninsured, and underinsured women. They also urged legislators to oppose several bills – SB1103, SB1367, HB2393, and HB4001 – that advocates believe are driven by the tobacco industry and would weaken public health protections.

Expert Insight: The coordinated effort by advocates highlights the critical role of grassroots movements in influencing health policy. By directly sharing personal experiences and advocating for specific legislation, these individuals aim to translate public concern into tangible changes in access to care and preventative measures.

Brian Hummell, ACS CAN Arizona Government Relations Director, emphasized the need for bipartisan support, stating that protecting Arizonans from cancer should be a shared priority. The annual Cancer Action Day included participants from across the state, representing Northern, Central, and Southern Arizona.

Frequently Asked Questions

What specific types of breast cancer screenings are advocates seeking coverage for?

Advocates are seeking to ensure the full continuum of medically necessary breast cancer screenings are covered at no cost to patients, including follow-up exams after an abnormal mammogram.

Who is considered “high-risk” for prostate cancer under HB2617?

High-risk men include African American men and those who have one or more first-degree relatives (father or brother) diagnosed with prostate cancer before age 65.

How many women in Arizona are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer in the coming years?

More than 7,090 Arizona women are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2026.

What role do you believe personal stories play in influencing legislative decisions regarding public health?