CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A coalition of leading cancer organizations is joining key state lawmakers in calling for the passage of the Illinois Cancer Patients Bill of Rights, a resolution and call-to-action declaring that all Illinois residents with cancer diagnoses should be able to access new and emerging treatments, receive care at advanced care centers, and be supported throughout their entire care journey – regardless of their means or background.
The Cancer Care is Different Coalition was founded by City of Hope, one of the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the United States and ranked among the nation’s top 5 cancer centers by U.S. News & World Report, with a leading cancer center in Zion, Ill., and several other locations across the region. The coalition will advocate for more equitable access to life-saving cancer care and includes organizations such as the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, Susan G. Komen of Greater Chicago, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Illinois, American Lung Association of Greater Chicago, National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, NMDP and Cancer Wellness Center.
Despite amazing advances in cancer science, many patients are not receiving the latest treatments because of their means, where they live, or barriers in our health care system. Based on the belief that access to lifesaving cancer care is a human right, State Rep. Marcus Evans and State Sen. Mary Edly-Allen introduced the Cancer Patients Bill of Rights resolution, and it is expected to be considered during an upcoming Illinois state legislature session.
“The speed of cancer discovery is helping save millions of lives, but it’s also leaving many people behind. The passage of the Illinois Cancer Patients Bill of Rights would be a significant step forward in ensuring that patients can access cutting-edge research, treatments and expertise at advanced cancer centers, tailored to their specific cancer needs,” said Pete Govorchin, president of City of Hope Chicago. “We are honored to collaborate with Rep. Marcus Evans, State Sen. Mary Edly-Allen and the Cancer Care is Different coalition to help Illinois become the second state to take action on this crucial issue of disproportionate access and care in our state.”
This year, an estimated 23,280 patients in Illinois lost their lives to cancer-related causes, and projections indicate there will be 78,200 new cancer diagnoses in the state.1 Alarmingly, Illinois has higher mortality rates than the national average for nearly every major cancer type, with significant racial disparities in cancer mortality rates.2,3 For example, Black women in the state experience a breast cancer mortality rate that is 48% higher than white women, while Black men in Illinois have a prostate cancer mortality rate that is 135% higher than white men.3
“Every Illinoisan with cancer should have the best chance to survive,” said Rep. Evans. “This resolution holds personal significance for me, as I was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 21. I understand firsthand the difference that access to quality care and innovative treatments can have for cancer patients. The Cancer Patients Bill of Rights calls for all cancer patients in Illinois to have access to the care and compassion to help them survive long after a cancer diagnosis.”
The Cancer Patients Bill of Rights calls for the following rights for all Illinoisans when confronted with a cancer diagnosis:
- Cancer patients with complex cancers deserve access to specialized expertise and emerging treatments for their specific type of cancer, including precision medicine and genomic therapies, some of which are only available at advanced cancer centers;
- Cancer patients deserve multidisciplinary supportive care while undergoing treatment, including care that addresses pain, emotional, and overall health needs;
- Cancer patients should have the opportunity to access emerging therapies informed by the latest cancer research through relevant early-stage and late-stage clinical trials;
- To the extent possible, cancer patients should be able to receive timely cancer care in their community, which is often supported by partnerships between community providers and academic institutions; and
- Cancer patients have a right to fully understand their diagnoses and be informed about treatment options in culturally appropriate and understandable languages.
“Cancer patients can have very different outcomes based on their ability to receive early diagnosis and access to the appropriate treatment. That’s especially apparent in Illinois with our dramatic racial disparities for cancer mortality,” said Ally Lopshire, government relations manager, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. “The Illinois Cancer Patients Bill of Rights resolution aims to achieve more equitable and effective cancer care for all Illinois residents. Join us in our fight to ensure all Illinois cancer patients have access to specialized cancer care.”
The introduction of the bill in Illinois builds upon City of Hope's policy efforts in California, where the California Cancer Patients Bill of Rights and the Cancer Care Equity Act were successfully passed in 2022 with support from a California-based group of Cancer Care is Different Coalition members.
More about the coalition, resolution, along with other resources and patient stories, can be found at the Cancer Care is Different website. Visit www.cancercarediff.org/illinois/.
About Cancer Care is Different
The Cancer Care is Different coalition was founded by City of Hope, one of the largest cancer research and treatment organizations in the country, and a group of like-minded health and advocacy organizations focused on expanding equitable access to cancer care. The coalition has advocated for policies that remove barriers to life-saving cancer care. Its advocacy reflects the fact that Cancer Care is Different than other types of health care, because of the speed of discovery and cancer research, and the importance of early detection and optimal treatment for surviving cancer.
About City of Hope
City of Hope's mission is to make hope a reality for all touched by cancer and diabetes. Founded in 1913, City of Hope has grown into one of the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the U.S., and one of the leading research centers for diabetes and other life-threatening illnesses. City of Hope research has been the basis for numerous breakthrough cancer medicines, as well as human synthetic insulin and monoclonal antibodies. With an independent, National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center that is ranked top 5 in the nation for cancer care by U.S. News & World Report at its core, City of Hope’s uniquely integrated model spans cancer care, research and development, academics and training, and a broad philanthropy program that powers its work. City of Hope’s growing national system includes its Los Angeles campus, a network of clinical care locations across Southern California, a new cancer center in Orange County, California, and cancer treatment centers and outpatient facilities in the Atlanta, Chicago and Phoenix areas. City of Hope’s affiliated group of organizations includes Translational Genomics Research Institute and AccessHope™. For more information about City of Hope, follow us on Facebook, X, YouTube, Instagram and LinkedIn.
References
1 American Cancer Society, Cancer Statistics Center - American Cancer Society - Illinois. Accessed October 2024.
2 American Cancer Society, Cancer Statistics Center - American Cancer Society. Accessed October 2024.
3 2022-2027 Illinois Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan Cancer Burden in Illinois. Accessed October 2024.
