Cancer Patients, Survivors and Families Rally at Arizona State Capitol

PHOENIX, Feb. 26, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Nearly 100 cancer patients, survivors and caregivers from across the state rallied at the state Capitol for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) Arizona Cancer Awareness Day in Phoenix on February 25, 2015.  They were there to meet with state lawmakers to ask them to do the following:

• Become aware of the health risks associated with the use of indoor tanning beds, particularly by young people
• Maintain and protect funding for the Well Woman HealthCheck program that helps prevent and treat breast and cervical cancers
• Support Senate Bill (SB) 1288 to synchronize prescriptions for patients

An estimated 32,440 people will be newly diagnosed with cancer this year in Arizona.  Cancer is now the leading cause of death in this state and estimated to kill 11,540 alone in 2015.

"As someone who has battled melanoma since the mid-80s following regular use of tanning salons, I feel it is absolutely imperative for Arizonans and their state representatives to be aware of the dangers of indoor tanning devices and that is the story I shared at today's Cancer Awareness Day," said melanoma patient and ACS CAN volunteer advocate Christine Nelson.  "My melanoma began as a small spot on my arm before moving to metastatic melanoma cancer in my neck, rib, lung and liver.  I worry about the young people who continue to indoor tan."

Senator Kimberly Yee was spotlighted at the event as she spoke to the advocates and fellow legislators about synchronizing prescriptions as part of new legislation she has introduced.

"Medication synchronization streamlines prescription refills for patients, allowing them to fill their medications on the same day each month and that helps them stay regular with their prescription usage.  Poor medication adherence leads to more frequent hospitalizations, poorer health outcomes and higher costs," said ACS CAN Director of Government Relations Brian Hummell. 

ACS CAN is the nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate organization of the American Cancer Society, dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem. ACS CAN works to encourage elected officials and candidates to make cancer a top national priority.  ACS CAN gives ordinary people extraordinary power to fight cancer with the training and tools they need to make their voices heard.  For more information, visit www.acscan.org.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150226/178251

SOURCE American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN)