Illinois Legislature Recognizes Cancer Patients’ Rights in New Resolution

  • Published: November 18, 2024
  • Updated: November 18, 2024

A coalition of leading cancer organizations has teamed up with Illinois lawmakers to advocate for passage of the Illinois Cancer Patients Bill of Rights, a resolution and call to action declaring that all Illinois residents with cancer diagnoses should have access to new and emerging treatments, receive care at advanced care centers, and be supported throughout their entire care journey – regardless of their means or background. The campaign is supported by Cancer Care is Different, a coalition led by AACI member center City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, which passed a similar resolution in its home state of California.

The Illinois Cancer Patients Bill of Rights includes the following:

  • 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, some of which are only available at advanced cancer centers.
  • Cancer patients deserve multidisciplinary supportive care while undergoing treatment, including care that addresses pain, emotional, and overall health needs.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Cancer patients have a right to fully understand their diagnoses and be informed about treatment options in culturally appropriate and understandable languages.

The document is a meaningful step towards removing some of the fear caused by a cancer diagnosis. With two states already leading the charge on the state level, and Representative Grace F. Napolitano (D-CA) introducing a federal resolution in September 2024, Cancer patients are getting a better understanding of their rights and protections.