Rep. Payne, Jr. Receives Top Award from American Cancer Society for Work to Fight Cancer
Media Contact: Patrick Wright -- Patrick.Wright@mail.house.gov
Washington, D.C. — Rep. Donald M. Payne, Jr. received the 2021 National Distinguished Advocacy Award from the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) for his outstanding work to increase awareness and treatments for colorectal cancer. The award is the Network's highest honor for a public official. Rep. Payne, Jr. has been a tireless fighter against colorectal cancer since his father, Congressman Donald M. Payne, Sr., died from the disease in 2012.
"It is an honor to receive an award for a cause that is very personal to me," said Rep. Donald M. Payne, Jr. "After my father's passing, I have worked to increase cancer screenings and treatments so we can lower cancer deaths. I was proud that my bill, the Removing Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Act, became law last year to help Medicare recipients get their colorectal cancer screenings and polyp removals covered completely by Medicare. Now, I am working to pass two bills that would make it easier to detect colorectal cancer and eliminate out-of-pocket costs for treatments sooner."
Colorectal cancer is the second deadliest form of cancer and kills more than 50,000 Americans annually. But it has one of the highest survival rates if it is detected and treated early. Rep. Payne, Jr.'s bill, the Removing Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Act, modifies cost-sharing requirements for colorectal cancer screening tests under Medicare to help more Americans access life-saving colonoscopies. In addition, Rep. Payne, Jr. has worked closely with ACS CAN and spoke at several of the Network's "Lights of Hope" ceremonies.
"Rep. Payne, Jr. has exemplified what is means to be a dedicated champion in the fight against cancer," said Lisa Lacasse, president of ACS CAN. "His enduring leadership on the Removing Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Act is a testament to his steadfast commitment to passing public policies that improve the lives of cancer patients and survivors. We are very grateful for our valuable partnership with Rep. Payne, Jr. and look forward to future opportunities to work together as we strive to improve public health and address the burden of cancer for families across the country."
The award presentation was part of the ACS CAN Leadership Summit and Lobby Day on September 28, 2021. During that event, nearly 700 cancer patients, survivors and their loved ones met virtually with elected officials to promote the need for more cancer research and prevention funding.
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