TALLAHASSEE — On March 18, survivors, caregivers and advocates from the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) traveled from across the Sunshine State to the Capitol for ‘Cancer Action Day’, urging state lawmakers to act on critical cancer-related priorities for Floridians.

Advocates called for $3 million in recurring state funding for the Mary Brogan Breast & Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program to provide essential screenings and treatment for low-income and underinsured women.

“Early detection saves lives, but not all Floridians have access,” said Susan Harbin, government relations director for ACS CAN in Florida. “The Mary Brogan program is vital for ensuring that eligible women can receive breast and cervical cancer screening exams screenings for free or at low-cost in order to detect cancer early, increase their chance of survival and expand treatment options.”

In 2024, lawmakers increased the funding for the program from $1.8 million to $3 million.

“During Cancer Action Day, we ask lawmakers to permanently fund this critical program at $3 million in subsequent budgets so that the program can continue to serve more eligible Floridians and save lives.” Harbin states.

“A screening mammogram saved my life. It was my first—and only—mammogram, but it led to the early detection of widespread cancer in both of my breasts.” said Donna Lundy, ACS CAN volunteer.

Dr. Donna S. Lundy, Ph.D., F-ASHA, BCS-S is a newly retired speech pathologist and longtime ACS CAN volunteer of over 25 years. She dedicated her career to working at a National Cancer Institute designated cancer center, University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center specializing in the care and management of patients with head and neck cancer, driven by her own survivorship.

Despite her cancer being considered early-stage, the only treatment option was a bilateral mastectomy. Twenty-five years later, she is reminding lawmakers that her experience is a powerful testament to the importance of access to timely mammograms.

“My experience with breast cancer made me a life-long advocate, because no one should miss the chance to catch cancer when it’s most treatable.” said Dr. Lundy.

Advocates also urged lawmakers to prioritize research appropriations to sustain investments in cancer research and innovation programs. They highlighted the impact of initiatives like the Casey DeSantis Cancer Research Program, the Florida Cancer Innovation Fund, the Bankhead-Coley Cancer Research Program, and the King Biomedical Research Program, emphasizing the need for continued legislative support to advance cancer breakthroughs and improve patient outcomes.

“More than 170,000 Floridians are expected to face a cancer diagnosis in 2025, funding this research will be critical to help reduce the cancer burden and give people access to ways to prevent, detect, treat and survive the disease.” said Harbin.

For more information on how to get involved in the fight against cancer in Florida, visit fightcancer.org/Florida.