Molecular Pathology Laboratory Network

Jacky Seabrook was recently named advocacy chair for the American Cancer Society's (ACS) Leadership Council in Knoxville. As the council's advocacy chair, Jacky is the committee leader for a Public Forum to discuss healthcare reform in Tennessee with Gubernatorial candidates to be held later this year in Knoxville.

At least 25 states have passed legislation requiring insurance companies to provide adequate coverage for colorectal cancer screenings. Tennessee earned a D when graded by the National Report Card Coalition for not requiring insurance coverage. In Tennessee alone an estimated 3,490 cases of colorectal cancer were diagnosed in 2009.

"The ACS is optimistic that the bill will pass through Tennessee congress this year," Seabrook said.

The American Cancer Society is also advocating for creation of the framework for a colorectal cancer screening program to help low-income, uninsured and underserved residents gain access to life-saving screening programs for early detection of colorectal cancer. This colorectal cancer screening program will be similar to the current Tennessee breast and cervical cancer screening program in which MPLN is a participant. According to Seabrook, state funding is needed to launch the pilot program to assure colorectal cancer screening for eligible participants at 250% percent of the poverty level and below.  

For more information and to participate in ACS cancer action network please visit www.acscan.org, or contact Jacky Seabrook at 800-932-2943 to find out how to get involved.