When you hear the words cancer or cancer advocacy, you might think of lab breakthroughs at a prestigious university or even national policy debates amongst politicians and doctors. But for the average teen, the word cancer seems too far fetched out of our everyday lives. The word cancer feels distant, almost like something that happens to other people, not something that touches our daily reality.  As we enjoy time with our friends and families this holiday, it is important to remember those who struggle with the fight against cancer every day. But now, for the people fighting cancer, it has become harder than ever to get proper treatment and care. Almost 40.5% of Americans will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives according to the USA Facts Organization. The fight to end cancer must start now, because every delay in action means more lives affected and more families facing preventable loss. These were some of the words that were echoed in our latest TeenView interview with members from the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Alabama Team (ACS CAN). Alabama state leaders Mr. Zeke Aguilera and Ms. Nicole Lallatin began their journeys into advocacy from deeply personal experiences, ones that inspire not only me, but our entire nation.

For Zeke, cancer became real long before he ever stepped into an Advocacy role. His sister, Yvette Aguilera, passed away from cancer in 2010, and years later he realized he needed a community that shared his passion and drive to honor her memory. In 2017 he connected with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network and found more than colleagues, he found a mission that let him give voice to Yvette’s story. What made it even more meaningful was discovering that some ACS Ambassadors were nurses who had cared for her. That connection gave him a powerful platform to speak with lawmakers and volunteers about why cancer policy matters. Zeke explained that what motivates him is not just preventing more loss but honoring her legacy, his advocacy work is about the real people behind the statistics.

Ms Nicole's story is just as personal, though it started differently. At age 23 she watched a close friend struggle with injury and not receive proper medical care because of insurance gaps. By the time he reached the ER, the diagnosis turned out to be cancer and it was too late. She said that moment sparked an anger in her, one that showed that someone so close to her died because of the inaccessibility to receive care. Which only affirmed her desire for wanting to make sure access to quality care is a basic human right for everyone.

ACS CAN is currently pushing for several goals that could change the trajectory of cancer care. Protecting federal research funding is critical because funding through NIH and the National Cancer Institute drives breakthroughs in detection and treatment. In Alabama, NIH grants support more than a hundred research projects and provide funding that bolsters local jobs and research infrastructure. Cuts or delays to this funding create uncertainty for research projects, slowing progress on early detection tools and treatments that could save lives. Mr Aguilera highlighted that when research funding halts, it affects Alabama patients and their futures.

A major focus is the multi cancer early detection legislation championed by Alabama Representative Terri Sewell. This bill aims to expand Medicaid coverage for multi-cancer blood screening tests, tools that could detect a variety of cancers before symptoms appear and shorten the timeline for life-saving diagnostics from decades to years. ACS CAN also supports the PSA for Him Act which would eliminate out of pocket costs for prostate cancer screening for high risk men. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men and early detection increases survival rates dramatically, up to nearly 100 percent when found early. The bill also addresses racial disparities because Black men have higher incidence rates and are more than twice as likely to die from prostate cancer compared to White men, a gap linked to inequitable access to early screening.

After speaking with them, I was really taken aback by the team's pride which stems from their grassroots volunteer structure in Alabama. The organization relies on volunteers across different congressional districts to shape advocacy to fit local values and needs. This wide reach helps reach every part of Alabama, from our cities to our rural areas, many of which are struggling, and will continue to struggle as almost 1/5th of working men and women are at risk of being cut off Medicare after recent federal legislation. Ms. Nicole explained that closing rural hospitals and limited Medicare pushes people into emergency rooms for basic care which overburdens the system and leaves patients vulnerable. This is a critical issue, as it not only strains healthcare resources but also puts patients at greater risk of delayed treatment and poorer health outcomes.

These ambassadors, from cancer survivors to family members and supporters, form the backbone for the patients and families who fight cancer every day. Tirelessly working to ensure that every person affected by cancer has a voice, access to care, and hope for a better future.

It is my hope that this inspires each of us to take action, even as teenagers I've learned that every thought, donation, piece of advocacy matters. Whether that be a card or message to lift up the spirits of a cancer patient, or a donation that can support those in the fight against cancer. Youth is what will drive our society forward, and if we don't support the heroes who are fighting everyday against cancer then we can’t expect to help form a society where everyone has a fair chance at health and life.

Every donation matters, no matter how big. The TeenView has attached a link below this article where you can support those in need now. 

https://www.cancer.org/donate.html