WASHINGTON, D.C. — An ovarian cancer survivor from Martinsburg says she’s alive because of research and, George Blough says, others deserve the same chance.
“We can’t let research stop,” Blough, West Virginia’s lead volunteer for the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Action Network, told MetroNews from Capitol Hill.
She was among the hundreds of cancer patients, survivors and volunteers who traveled to Washington, D.C. on Tuesday for an annual trip seeking support for continued cancer research, prevention and palliative care funding.
Additionally, the group was lobbying for the elimination of colorectal cancer screening cost barriers.
Currently, Medicare patients who seek colonoscopies as preventative measures can see their out-of-pocket costs soar if polyps are found. Because of that potential cost, Blough said some seniors are skipping their annual tests when, she said, studies show half of all colorectal cancer deaths could be prevented each year if everyone over the age of 50 is regularly screened.
“Our Congressional representatives need to know that we need to make cancer a national priority,” Blough said. “In West Virginia, we lose 4,680 people a year (to cancer).” Every day, across the United States, 1,600 die from cancer.
Blough said, in most cases, she believes lawmakers are listening.
“We have our champions and we have others who we know are not our champions, but we go anyway. And, you know, you have to live in a cave to not have been affected by cancer. It’s almost like asking someone — do you like puppy dogs?”
According to the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Action Network, more than 11,500 West Virginia residents will be diagnosed with cancer this year alone.
For more information about the organization’s efforts, click here.