Rep. Charlie Meier honored World Cancer Day with a speech on the floor of the Illinois House of Representatives.
“On World Cancer Day, I want to shed light on the importance of screening and early detection of not only prostate cancer, but ALL cancers,” said Rep. Meier. “By screening for cancers that have a screening test, it can be caught in an earlier stage. By increasing cancer screenings for these cancer types, we can all work together to lower the mortality rate of this terrible disease.”
Meier’s full speech is below:
“I rise today to recognize World Cancer Day.
As many of you are aware, last month I announced that I share a bond with millions of Americans when I learned I have prostate cancer. After sharing this deeply personal news, I was overwhelmed with the thousands of texts, messages, comments, calls, and emails from many of you in this chamber, people across this state, and even across this country. I want to thank you all, from the bottom of my heart, for your words of encouragement, prayers, and kindness.
Today, I am 22 days into my radiation, and it is going well. I still plan to get through this bump in the road and get back to my old self.
Cancer affects every single one of us in this body and across this state. All of us know someone who has been touched by this disease. I’ve learned that cancer is deeply personal. Whether you’re living with cancer right now in private, a caregiver, or an advocate – your experience matters. I urge you to share it and become part of the movement to improve cancer care and one day eradicate it forever.
On World Cancer Day, I want to shed light on the importance of screening and early detection of not only prostate cancer, but ALL cancers. Screening tests are available for lung, colo-rectal, breast, prostate, and cervical cancer. Each cancer type has recommendations for when to start screening and the frequency. By screening for cancers that have a screening test, it can be caught in an earlier stage.
By increasing cancer screenings for these cancer types, we can all work together to lower the mortality rate of this terrible disease.
I want to give special thanks to the Illinois Department of Public Health, and specifically Scott Reimers, for your help in educating me about cancer and providing steadfast support during this difficult time.
I also want to thank the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, and specifically Ally Lopshire, for offering to work together to find legislative solutions toward expanding cancer research, screening, and early detections.
As I continue along this journey, I am excited to learn more about what we can do right here in Illinois to move toward a world where we have a cure. I’m asking all of you to join me in this fight.“
Rep. Charlie Meier