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As Election Day draws nearer, I find myself thinking more and more about my own breast cancer diagnosis. I know my elected officials play a huge role in fighting the disease, and I was pleased to learn that most Maine voters prioritize electing a candidate who will ensure access to healthcare and fight to protect cancer research funding.
A recent poll by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network of likely voters in Maine (like me) shows that over 65% said they would be more likely to vote for an official who is a leader in ensuring healthcare is affordable and accessible. The same holds true for federal funding for cancer research and for cancer prevention programs: Most Maine voters polled said they would be more likely to vote for candidates who are leaders in protecting cancer research funding.
Lawmakers have the power to fund groundbreaking research and enact policies that help people prevent and fight cancer. Do you know where your candidates stand on vital issues like cancer research and prevention funding, improving access to affordable, comprehensive health coverage, and preventive services? You can learn more by visiting cancervotes.org.
The more than 18 million cancer survivors in this country need to work together to encourage candidates to clearly state their positions on issues that are important to cancer patients and their families, and we urge voters to know those positions before they head to the polls.
Bethany Zell
Volunteer
American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network
Caribou