Salem Unites for Oregon Cancer Action Day: Advocates Push for Change" Local advocates gather in Salem to champion cancer awareness and policy reform

# **Oregon Cancer Action Day: Advocates Rally in Salem for Critical Change**

**SALEM, Ore.** — Cancer patients, survivors, and advocates are gathering at the Oregon State Capitol to mark **Oregon Cancer Action Day**, pushing for legislative policies to improve prevention, treatment accessibility, and research funding. With cancer remaining a leading cause of death in Oregon, advocates are urging lawmakers to take bold action.

## **Why This Event Matters**
Every year, thousands of Oregonians are diagnosed with cancer, and many struggle with affordability, early detection, and treatment disparities. Organizations like the **American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN)** and local advocacy groups are leading the charge, pressing legislators to prioritize:

- **Increased funding** for cancer research and prevention programs
- **Expanded access** to affordable screenings and treatments
- **Stronger tobacco control laws** to reduce cancer risks
- **Support for underserved communities**, including rural and low-income patients

## **Key Issues on the Table**
### **1. Better Access to Life-Saving Screenings**
Early detection dramatically improves survival rates, yet many Oregonians face barriers such as high costs and limited clinic availability. Advocates are calling for state-funded programs to ensure more residents receive timely mammograms, colonoscopies, and lung cancer screenings.

### **2. Addressing Disparities in Care**
Rural and low-income communities often lack specialized oncology care. Advocates are demanding policies that:
- Increase telehealth access
- Expand Medicaid coverage for cancer treatments
- Provide transportation assistance for patients needing long-distance care

### **3. Pushing for Stronger Tobacco Regulations**
Tobacco use is linked to **40% of all cancer cases** in Oregon. Advocates want stricter regulations on vaping and flavored tobacco products, along with increased taxes to discourage youth consumption.

### **4. Investing in Research & Innovation**
With breakthroughs in immunotherapy and precision medicine, advocates argue that **Oregon should invest more in cutting-edge research** to attract clinical trials and improve patient outcomes.

## **How You Can Get Involved**
- **Contact your legislators** to voice support for cancer-related policies.
- **Participate in local advocacy events** or volunteer with organizations like ACS CAN.
- **Share your story**—lawmakers need to hear from those directly impacted.

## **What Do You Think?**
- Should Oregon increase taxes on tobacco and vaping products to fund cancer research?
- Is the state doing enough to ensure rural patients have access to cancer specialists?
- Would you support legislation to require insurance companies to cover all cancer screenings at no cost?
- Are current cancer awareness campaigns effective, or do we need a new approach?

**Let us know in the comments—your voice could help shape Oregon’s fight against cancer!**

*Stay with **Breaking Now News (BNN)** for updates on this developing story.*