Advocates take to Capitol Hill in support of cancer research funding, prevention programs

More than 700 cancer advocates are in Washington D.C. this week in support of cancer policy, including some from right here in Tennessee.

The volunteers from the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network are meeting with lawmakers on Capitol Hill, like senators Bill Hagerty and Marsha Blackburn.

They’ll stress the importance of maximum federal investment in cancer research and prevention programs.

That funding is under threat after the Trump administration proposed cuts of nearly 40%, but congress has the final say.

Volunteers will also ask congress to extend tax credits that make marketplace health insurance plans more affordable. Darlene Smith is one of the Tennesseans who made the trip to D.C.

“When I was diagnosed with late stage cancer in 2003, the first week cost my husband and I $1,500 out of pocket. In 2003 that was a lot of money. It’s a lot of money today. But imagine if I didn’t have insurance. We would’ve lost everything we had worked our entire life for,” said Darlene Smith, cancer survivor.

The advocates are there through Wednesday. Congress has a deadline at the end of this month to finalize a budget.

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