United States Congressional Cancer Prevention Caucus

United States Cancer Prevention Caucus

Established in July 2015, the bipartisan Congressional Cancer Prevention Caucus is the federal government’s first member-led organization focused on preventing cancer. Initially organized by Congresswoman Debbie Dingell of Michigan’s 12th district, the caucus is committed to prioritizing cancer prevention as a part of the federal approach to cancer research and treatment.

Less Cancer founder Bill Couzens played a pivotal role in shaping the caucus together and has remained instrumental in maintaining the group’s momentum.

Committed to a Preventative Cancer Approach

Cancer research informs opportunities to improve prevention as well as treatment.

“Cancer impacts nearly every American family,” said Dingell. “As we learn more about this devastating disease, we learn there are critical steps we can take every day to help people reduce their risk, and we need to ensure that message is reaching the majority of Americans. I am proud to lead the Cancer Prevention Caucus, in collaboration with Less Cancer, to help families make informed, healthful decisions that could save lives and, ultimately, bring us closer to a world where cancer is considered a preventable disease.”

Cancer remains a near-universal experience for many American families. Reducing the financial and emotional toll of the disease is one of the chief aims of cancer prevention legislation; preventing cancer is an accessible and realistic way to save lives.

“Every family has been touched by the heartbreak of cancer, including mine. We all have felt the excruciating pain that cancer brings,” said Couzens. “I am mindful of America’s many losses from cancer and the suffering that accompanies each one. Now is the time to work on stopping cancer before it starts and not only work to halt the rising incidences of cancer, but ensure cancer remains in the past for the next generation. I have much gratitude and am deeply moved by Congresswoman Dingell’s pioneering leadership and bravery in ending cancer once and for all. We are here to advance policy efforts that will boost awareness and educate Americans from coast to coast about ways to prevent destructive diseases.”

What is the Congressional Cancer Prevention Caucus?

The Caucus is focused on giving bipartisan legislators a forum to learn, discuss and prioritize a prevention-first approach to cancer. The Caucus is open to all Members of Congress, their staff, as well as the medical community, cancer advocacy groups and the public. The Caucus works to identify opportunities to address lifestyle and environmental cancer risk factors, including:

  • Smoking
  • Healthcare access
  • Obesity
  • PFAs and other environmental issues
  • And more

The Congressional Cancer Prevention Caucus is held every February as a part of Less Cancer’s Cancer Prevention Day and the National Cancer Prevention Workshop.

GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT

Reaching audiences with content that brings change.

LET’S FIGHT CANCER WITH A FOCUS ON PREVENTION

Less Cancer’s work to inform the public about health and environment spans a wide range of issues, including specific contaminants, pollution sources, and healthy lifestyle choices, such as diet, exercise, and nutrition. While we work to protect all communities, our approach is particularly relevant to at-risk populations, such as families and children in low-income communities.
— Bill Couzens, Founder, Less Cancer