U.S. Rep. Brian Higgins Receives ACS CAN Distinguished Advocacy Award

WASHINGTON, D.C. – At the end of September, United States Representative Brian Higgins received the National Distinguished Advocacy Award, the most prestigious award presented by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), in recognition of his significant contribution in the fight against cancer to increase funding for critical research and improve access to lifesaving care.

ACS CAN, the advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society, presents the annual award to select lawmakers who demonstrate outstanding leadership in the area of cancer-related public policy advocacy.

“Representative Higgins has repeatedly distinguished himself as a leader and true advocate on cancer advocacy issues, particularly through his commitment to improvements in access to affordable, quality care,” said Lisa Lacasse, President of ACS CAN. “His introduction of the Increasing Access to Lung Cancer Screening Act to require Medicaid coverage for annual lung cancer screenings and expand access to tobacco cessation programs, is a true testament of his commitment to save lives from cancer. ACS CAN appreciates his steadfast leadership in investing in cancer research to improve public health nationwide.”

Representative Brian Higgins has been a champion for cancer fighting issues since he entered the House in 2005, lending his support to cancer research and improving the quality of cancer care. Beyond his current positions as the co-chair of the House Cancer Caucus and NIH caucus, Rep. Higgins serves as a member of the Congressional Colorectal Cancer Caucus and Childhood Cancer Caucus, advancing an aggressive agenda to reduce suffering and death from cancer across the country. ACS CAN was proud to work with Rep. Higgins when he championed the Cancer Drug Parity Act and now, again, as a co-sponsor of the the Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act.

“Representative Higgins is a Cancer Champion. His unyielding efforts extend to increasing access to early screening and care, bringing awareness to further support research and clinical trials, and creating policies that save lives,” said ACS CAN NY Lead volunteer Katie Martin shared. She continued, “Most notably, he cares. He knows and stays connected to our community members. He’s attended funerals, he genuinely asks how people are doing, and he follows through with his commitments to this cause. There is no shortage of gratitude for his work and his compassion."

The award was presented as part of the annual ACS CAN Leadership Summit and Lobby Day. Nearly 700 cancer patients, survivors and their loved ones met with their elected officials to urge them to support policies that increase funding for cancer research and address barriers to prostate and multi-cancer screening tests.

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About ACS CAN

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) advocates for evidence-based public policies to reduce the cancer burden for everyone. As the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN is making cancer a top priority for public officials and candidates at the federal, state, and local levels. By engaging advocates across the country to make their voices heard, ACS CAN influences legislative and regulatory solutions that will end cancer as we know it.