Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is emphasizing World Cancer Day this past Saturday, which has a multi-year theme of “Closing the Care Gap.”

 “A cancer diagnosis is heartbreaking news, but early detection and the latest in care and treatment can save lives and improve outcomes,” said Aumua Amata. “The purpose of World Cancer Day is to raise awareness, boost prevention and detection, and close gaps to accessing quality care and services.”

 “For 2023, Congress has appropriated over $400 million more than 2022 to the National Cancer Institute within the National Institutes of Health to bolster research and treatments,” she continued. “American Samoa has geographic and economic challenges that can only be offset by telehealth and continued efforts to modernize facilities, equipment, training, and retention. Thank you to all our dedicated health care professionals helping patients and their families. We can be encouraged that scientists and doctors continue to learn and make advances in the fight against cancer.”