Advocacy project: Letter and Fact Sheet

Letter:

December 6, 2010

Senator Amy Klobuchar

U.S. Senate

302 Hart Senate Office Building

Washington, DC 20510

Dear Senator Klobuchar,

I am writing to encourage you to vote YES to bill H.R 1927: Assuring and Improving Cancer Treatment Education and Cancer Symptom Management Act 2009. Over 1,529, 560 new cancer cases are projected to be diagnosed in 2010 alone according to the American Cancer Society. As the second leading cause of death in the United States, cancer has become a threat to our national health and we need to make every effort to prevent cancer related deaths for future generations. 

This year alone, 1,500 people are expected to die each day because of cancer according to the American Cancer Society. Many of us believe this number doesn’t affect us, but in reality,  cancer can affect anybody, whether it be physically, emotionally or financially. According to the National Institute of Health, the overall cost of cancer in the United States in 2010 is 263.8 billion, including medical expenses and loss of productivity due to illness or death. 

Fortunately, cancer can largely be prevented by behavior change and education to encourage healthy behavior. According to the American Cancer Society, those particularly at risk of developing cancer include: smokers, heavy drinkers, people who are obese, those with poor diet or nutrition, and those who receive excessive sun exposure. The proposed bill H.R. 1927: Assuring and Improving Cancer Treatment Education and Cancer Symptom Management Act 2009, will provide education not only for those already suffering from the disease, but for those who have not yet acquired it but wish to learn how to prevent it. By showing your support for this bill, you will help our communities learn how to protect themselves against this devastating disease. 

My sincerest thanks to you for taking the time to listen to my concerns regarding this issue. I truly believe this bill will give our community the education it needs to start making healthy behavior changes to prevent this disease. I hope you will vote YES to help those in our community protect themselves against the unnecessary threat of cancer. 

Fact Sheet:

Cancer- We are all at risk

What is Cancer? 

Cancer is a group of diseases marked by excessive growth and spread of abnormal cells in the human body. If the spread of these abnormal cells is not controlled, it can result in death. In fact, according to the American Cancer Society cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States after heart disease. In the year 2010 alone over 569,490 Americans are expected to die of cancer.  

What are the known causes of cancer?

According to the American Cancer Society, causes of cancer include: Cigarette smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, poor nutrition, obesity, physical inactivity, and excessive sun exposure. It can also be caused by Hepatitis B virus (HBV), Human papillomavirus (HPV), or Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). 

How can cancer be treated and prevented?

Cancer can be prevented through behavioral change, early screening by health professionals the use of vaccines, and the use of antibiotics. Behavior changes that are effective in preventing cancer include improved diet and exercise, quitting smoking, drinking alcohol only in moderation, and limiting sun exposure. 

Where can I learn more about cancer and how to help prevent it?

More information can be found at this American Cancer Society webpage, or their website