Illinois Lawmakers Urged to Boost Funding for Colorectal Cancer Screenings

American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network calls for $2 million in state budget to increase access to life-saving tests

Mar. 24, 2026 at 1:33am

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As Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month is marked, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) is thanking Illinois Governor JB Pritzker for prioritizing colorectal cancer screening funding in his budget proposal and is urging state legislators to follow suit by including $2 million for colorectal and lung cancer screenings in the final state budget. ACS CAN says this funding would help more Illinoisans detect and treat colorectal cancer early, when treatment is more effective and less expensive.

Why it matters

Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S., and in Illinois an estimated 6,160 residents will be diagnosed with it in 2026 and 2,080 will die from it. Screenings like colonoscopies can reduce the number of cases by 40% and mortality by 60%, but access remains a challenge, especially for underserved communities. Increased state funding could save lives by making these vital tests more available.

The details

ACS CAN is asking the Illinois legislature to prioritize $2 million in funding for colorectal and lung cancer screenings, building on the allocation proposed by Governor Pritzker. This funding would support patient navigation services to help connect more Illinoisans to these potentially life-saving tests. Studies show colonoscopies are highly effective at preventing colorectal cancer and reducing mortality rates.

  • In 2026, an estimated 6,160 Illinois residents will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer and 2,080 will die from it.
  • March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.

The players

JB Pritzker

The Governor of Illinois who has prioritized colorectal cancer screening funding in his state budget proposal.

Ally Lopshire

The government relations director for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN).

Oteria Folie

An Illinois mother, grandmother, wife and colorectal cancer survivor who is urging state lawmakers to increase funding for screenings.

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What they’re saying

“As lawmakers make their way through the budget process, ACS CAN calls on the legislature to prioritize funding for colorectal cancer screening in the state. ACS CAN is asking that the legislature follow Gov. Pritzker's lead by including $2 million for colorectal and lung cancer screenings.”

— Ally Lopshire, Government relations director, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network

“As a colorectal cancer survivor, I can tell you firsthand how critical screenings are. If I hadn't been screened when I was, I might not be here today. I urge our state lawmakers to follow the Governor's lead and allocate additional funds to the colorectal cancer screening program—because these screenings save lives.”

— Oteria Folie, Illinois mother, grandmother, wife and survivor

What’s next

The Illinois legislature will need to finalize the state budget, including any funding for colorectal cancer screenings, in the coming months.

The takeaway

Increasing access to colorectal cancer screenings through state funding could save lives in Illinois by detecting more cases early when treatment is more effective. This investment aligns with the goal of ensuring everyone has a fair opportunity to prevent, detect and survive cancer regardless of their background.