Senator Susan Rubio Introduces Bipartisan Resolution Recognizing Cancer Patients Bill of Rights

SACRAMENTO, CA –In recognition of World Cancer Day, Senator Susan Rubio (D-Baldwin Park) introduced a bipartisan resolution today that calls for prioritizing appropriate, timely, and equitable access to expert cancer care for patients.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 11 recognizes that the Legislature supports the Cancer Patients Bill of Rights, which states the right of cancer patients to fully understand their diagnosis and be informed about treatment options in culturally appropriate and understandable languages. In addition, patients have the right to timely access to cancer subspecialists and relevant medical research and cutting-edge innovation.

“For many cancer patients, the best chance of being cured is the early chance at a cure,” Sen. Rubio said. “Despite remarkable advances in cancer science creating more effective treatments and cures, too many cancer patients continue to suffer from a lack of access to specialty care. That lack of access is unfortunately even more pronounced among our most vulnerable and disadvantaged communities. The Cancer Patients Bill of Rights recognizes that cancer patients should receive appropriate, timely, and equitable access to expert cancer care.”

“Senator Rubio truly understands the importance of cancer care and we applaud her for introducing this resolution recognizing that cancer care is different,” said Robert W. Stone, President and CEO of City of Hope, the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in the San Gabriel Valley. There is a growing understanding that there are hundreds of different cancer types that each may require different types of therapy, and no two cases are the same. This Cancer Patients Bill of Rights offers great hope that our partnership will change access, treatment and the future of cancer care.”

 “We are proud to support the Cancer Patients Bill of Rights,” said Autumn Ogden-Smith, Director of State Legislation for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network California. “Far too often, there is a disconnect between advances in cancer research and the quality of cancer care provided to patients. This is especially notable for cancer patients from some of our most vulnerable and disadvantaged communities. We thank Senator Rubio for her leadership in prioritizing equitable access for cancer patients.”

Senator Susan Rubio represents Senate District 22 in Los Angeles County. It includes the cities of Alhambra, Arcadia, Azusa, Baldwin Park, Covina, El Monte, Industry, Irwindale, La Puente, Monterey Park, San Gabriel, Rosemead, South El Monte, Temple City and West Covina as well as the unincorporated communities of Avocado Heights, Charter Oak, Citrus, East Pasadena, East San Gabriel, Mayflower Village, North El Monte, South Monrovia Island, South San Gabriel, South San Jose Hills, Valinda, Vincent and West Puente Valley.

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