Cancer is an insidious disease that impacts far too many of our friends and family members. The most recent data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health shows that in 2022, 78,198 Pennsylvanians were diagnosed with cancer and 27,463 lost their lives to this disease. Projections for 2026 are worse with  an estimated 90,250 Pennsylvanians expected to receive a cancer diagnosis and an estimated 27,600 that will succumb to the disease.
  
For these reasons, it’s imperative that we continue to raise awareness and encourage Pennsylvanians to understand the risks of cancer and know that early detection can be key in lessening the effect cancer can have on your body. We must especially work to raise awareness and expand access to quality health care in communities that historically have lacked equitable access to health care, such as rural, Black, Latino, LGBTQ+, and economically insecure Pennsylvanians. 
  
That’s why I’m asking you to join me and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network in designating June 2, 2026, as Cancer Action Day in Pennsylvania and honoring all those whose lives have been impacted by cancer as well as those who devote their life to fighting this disease. Together, we can advance legislative priorities to increase the rates of cancer screenings, increase the rates of early detection, and improve treatment options for all Pennsylvanians.