PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — The American Cancer Society estimates that 7,500 Rhode Islanders will be diagnosed with cancer this year, and more than 2,100 are expected to die from the disease. That's why advocates and legislators gathered Tuesday at the Rhode Island State House for Cancer Action D ay and urged the quick passage of legislation to ease the financial burden that can be a barrier to treatment for many patients. Dr. Raymond Powrie, executive chief of medicine for Care New England, spoke at Tuesday's event, not just as a Rhode Island internist for the last 35 years, but as someone who recently watch his partner get diagnosed with cancer. "It weighs on people," Powrie said. "For many of our patients and people in this community, they cannot afford these things and to have to decide about what you want to do and then add in the money aspect of it, it seems like a cruel abandonment of our responsibility to our fellow citizens." Several bills have been introduced this legislative session, including one that would prohibit cost-sharing for diagnostic and supplemental breast exams. Even though the Affordable Care Act ensures that initial mammograms are provided at no cost, the same can't always be said for follow-up screenings. For the bill's sponsor, Rep. Kathleen Fogarty, it's personal.  Fogarty revealed in front of the crowd Tuesday her own recent diagnosis. "I will share with you that I was just diagnosed with early uterine cancer and will actually be going in [Wednesday] for surgery," she said. "So, this is very near and dear to my heart and I am with all of you in your fight against cancer." Another proposed bill would protect access to copay assistance programs, which advocates noted after often harmed by insurance companies' tactics. American Cancer Society volunteer Paul Adam, who suffers from arthritis, testified about his firsthand experience with those tactics. "I get two shots once a month with a copay of $2,400, and that's with insurance, until my deductible is met," he said. "Fortunately, I've been able to benefit from copay assistance, which covers my copay in full, however, my insurance company stepped in. Without notice, they stopped applying my copay assistance to my deductible all because it was coming from a third party." This is the third year Adam is advocating for this legislation and he believes this is the year it will finally cross the finish line. Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app. Follow us on social media:                     Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup SIGN UP NOW ...read more read less