Implore Congress to strengthen cancer fight

I traveled to Washington, D.C. recently to join more than 600 American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) volunteers from across the country urging Congress to support lifesaving policies that help people prevent and fight cancer.

I called on lawmakers to protect federal funding for cancer research and prevention programs, co-sponsor legislation to improve patient quality of life and remove cost barriers to colorectal cancer screenings for seniors.

I made it clear that Congress needs to put partisanship aside on behalf of cancer patients and survivors and make cancer a top national priority.

I let our lawmakers know that people and families touched by cancer in Florida, and in every state across the country, are counting on them to support legislation that would help make cancer history.

With one in two men and one in three women being diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, we can't let another year pass without making the fight against cancer a national priority.

I know I made a difference this past week and I encourage everyone to get involved and make your voice heard. Visit www.acscan.org to become people like me in your community.

Please contact your members of Congress and ask them to restore funding for cancer research at the National Institute of Health and the National Cancer Institute and for cancer prevention and early detection programs at the Centers for Disease Control and to support legislation to improve the quality of life for cancer patients by providing better access to palliative care services and coordinated care and to pass legislation to remove barriers to colorectal cancer screening.

Nancy Ambrose, Volunteer. American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Holmes Beach

This story was originally published September 24, 2014 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Implore Congress to strengthen cancer fight ."