SR1221 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1221 LRB103 42360 LAW 75584 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Remarkable advances in cancer science are creating more effective treatments and cures for patients affected by cancer; and

WHEREAS, Unfortunately, many cancer patients do not benefit from these treatment advances, and some die needlessly as a result; and

WHEREAS, Surviving cancer is directly related to early detection and access to appropriate treatment, including advanced and sub-specialty care; and

WHEREAS, Many Illinois residents do not have access to advanced cancer centers offering the latest research and treatment for their specific cancer type due to their insurance, means, or other factors; and

WHEREAS, Of the 2 million Americans the American Cancer Society estimates will be diagnosed with cancer in 2024, more than 78,000 individuals are predicted to be diagnosed in Illinois; and

WHEREAS, Cancer care is increasingly reliant on genetic and genomic testing to direct care for each individual patient; and

WHEREAS, It is now understood that access to multidisciplinary supportive care while undergoing treatment can significantly impact outcomes and survival for cancer patients; and

WHEREAS, There is a growing understanding that there are hundreds of different cancer types and each may require different types of therapy; the complexities of cancer care include relying on the accuracy of the initial diagnosis, the choice of therapy, and access to appropriate clinical trials; and

WHEREAS, There is significant variability in the ability of medical oncologists to stay current with the most recent evidence due to the complexities of cancer care in the precision medicine era; and

WHEREAS, For many cancer patients, the first chance for a cure is the best chance for a cure, highlighting the need for access to appropriate expertise early in the cancer journey; and

WHEREAS, There are disparities in cancer outcomes and access to leading-edge clinical trials based on race and socioeconomic status that are unfavorable to those that are the most vulnerable and disadvantaged; and

WHEREAS, The speed of discovery in cancer diagnosis, treatment, and surveillance is creating a widening gap between the optimal care received by those with means and the substandard care too often received by the most vulnerable residents of Illinois, which will only worsen if it is not addressed; this reality reflects an important truth that cancer care is different from other types of health care, and the needs of cancer patients are different from those with other illnesses; and

WHEREAS, It is imperative that Illinois policymakers prioritize appropriate and timely access to expert cancer care for patients; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we endorse the following principles as the Cancer Patients' Bill of Rights to express our support that cancer patients in the State receive the best cancer care available:

(1) Cancer patients with complex cancers deserve access to specialized expertise and emerging treatments for their specific type of cancer, including precision medicine and genomic therapies, which are only available at advanced cancer centers;

(2) Cancer patients deserve multidisciplinary supportive care while undergoing treatment, including care that addresses pain, emotional, and overall health needs;

(3) Cancer patients should have the opportunity to access emerging therapies informed by the latest cancer research through relevant early-stage and late-stage clinical trials, which are often only available at cancer treatment institutions;

(4) To the extent possible, cancer patients should be able to receive timely cancer care in their community, which is often supported by partnerships between community providers and academic institutions; and

(5) Cancer patients have a right to fully understand their diagnoses and be informed about treatment options in culturally appropriate and understandable languages; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies be delivered to Governor JB Pritzker and Director Elizabeth M. Whitehorn of the Department of Healthcare and Family Services.