WASHINGTON, DC - Yesterday, Rep. Grace F. Napolitano (D-El Monte) introduced H.Res. 1514, to recognize the rights of cancer patients everywhere.

"For those who have been diagnosed with cancer, it is their right to demand the best care; care that focuses on their needs and expertise that can improve their chances for survival," Napolitano said. "That's why I am proud to introduce this resolution recognizing the rights of cancer patients in our San Gabriel Valley and across the nation."

Most Americans are affected by cancer in some way. Over 18 million people living in the United States are cancer survivors, and 40.5 percent of Americans are projected to develop cancer in their lifetimes.

Cancer is a unique illness because patients and their families are asked to quickly make life-defining decisions. Even if these decisions are effective, they may result in lifelong complications. Patients and their families should not be left to make these decisions without the partnership of a cancer expert with whom they can discuss their needs, fears, and hopes for the future.

"We live in an amazing era of discovery that has led to many new life-saving cancer treatments. Yet these cures are increasingly out of reach for cancer patients because of barriers that prevent them from quickly accessing expert, specialized cancer care," said Harlan Levine, President of Health Innovation and Policy at City of Hope. "This resolution represents a commitment to ensure the latest breakthroughs are available to the patients whose lives they can save."

H.Res. 1514 states all cancer patients and their families should have the right to:

1. Receive care that ensures effective prevention, early diagnosis, improved outcomes, optimal patient rehabilitation, and affordable health care;

1. Have the ability to access the latest research and treatments for their specific type of cancer at academic cancer centers and/or National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers, which can best manage complex cancers and offer advanced precision medicine and genomic therapies;

1. Have access to relevant diagnostic testing, treatments, clinical trials, medical research, cutting-edge innovation, and effective survivorship care;
2. Have access to multidisciplinary cancer care, including early access to supportive and palliative care while undergoing treatment, including care that addresses pain, emotional, and overall health needs; and

1. Have access to a proactive voice that provides informed and accurate information about a diagnosis in a culturally appropriate and understandable language.

The full text of the Cancer Patients' Rights Resolution can be viewed here.

###

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.