Lawmakers Called to Invest in Life-Saving Colorectal Cancer Care

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) expresses appreciation to Gov. J.B. Pritzker for prioritizing colorectal cancer control funding in his budget proposal and urges legislators to prioritize passing a budget that includes funding to ease the burden of cancer on Illinoisans.

  “As lawmakers make their way through the budget process, ACS CAN calls on the legislature to prioritize funding for colorectal cancer screening in the state. ACS CAN is asking that the legislature follow Gov. Pritzker's lead by including $2 million for colorectal and lung cancer screenings,” said Ally Lopshire, ACS CAN, government relations director. “This funding would help more Illinoisans detect and treat colorectal cancer early, when treatment is more effective and less expensive, and support related patient navigation services.”

Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States among men and women combined. Here in Illinois, in 2026, an estimated 6,160 residents will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer and 2,080 will pass away. Fortunately, colorectal cancer is one of the few cancers that can be prevented through screenings. Studies have shown that colonoscopies reduce the number of cases by 40% and mortality by 60%.

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