Cancer Advocacy Empowers Appalachian Kentucky Youth

Kentucky has the highest cancer incidence rate and second highest cancer mortality rate in the United States, and the Appalachian region of the state experiences a disproportionate cancer burden. Cancer-related advocacy, a movement that strives to provide support to cancer patients, families, and organizations, along with policy creation, could help address this disparity by enhancing cancer-related prevention and control efforts. The University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center’s Appalachian Career Training in Oncology (ACTION) Program partners with the American Cancer Society Cancer Advocacy Network (ACS CAN) to involve Appalachian Kentucky high school and undergraduate students in cancer advocacy activities at the Kentucky State Capitol in Frankfort. By meeting with state legislators, students are able to share stories regarding cancer’s influence on their community and propose possible solutions. One notable outcome from ACTION’s cancer advocacy activities is a proclamation from Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear declaring October as “Cancer Education and Prevention Month.” ACTION students say their participation in advocacy activities equipped them with new communication skills, empowered them to participate in future advocacy activities, and encouraged them to believe their words and actions can create meaningful change. Similar advocacy activities and partnerships can be implemented in other regions burdened with elevated cancer rates to improve cancer control and prevention efforts.