"Fight Back" cancer award presented to Sen. Andy Hill and Rep. Ross Hunter

SEATTLE...The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network presented Sen. Andy Hill and Rep. Ross Hunter with the Fight Back award at the group’s annual Legacy and Leadership Awards ceremony held Thursday evening at Seattle’s Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. Hill and Hunter, both cancer survivors, were recognized for their work to protect the Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Program.  Read More >>

 

"Without the Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Program, many low-income Washington women would not have access to lifesaving cancer treatment," said Mary McHale of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. "ACS CAN is very grateful to Senator Hill and Representative Hunter for doing the right thing and prioritizing this program in their budget."

 

According to the American Cancer Society the Fight Back award is given annually to an individual who truly embodies what it means to fight back against cancer through evidence-based legislative solutions.

 

“Early detection is essential for people to begin life-saving treatment,” said Hill, of Redmond. “Too many people, especially vulnerable populations, fail to get screened and if necessary begin immediate treatment. By reducing financial barriers to these services, especially for low-income and uninsured women, we can support health professionals’ work to save the lives of everyone in need of treatment.”

 

Financing for the Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Program had been threatened with changes to the federal health care law. Earlier this year during the 2014 legislative session Hill and Hunter, who serve as chief budget writers in both the Senate and House of Representatives, preserved the program for those in need when Washington updated its current budget.

 

“It’s an honor to receive this recognition from the American Cancer Society,” said Hunter, of Medina. “Both Sen. Hill and I recognize early detection and treatment is critical to a successful fight against this dreaded disease. We remain committed to ensuring that low-income women and people without easy access to health care can get the same type of high-quality treatment we both received in our personal battles against cancer.”