From Alaska to Vermont, state legislatures made important progress in saving lives from cancer during their 2016 legislative sessions. But, the news is not all good as many states are still failing to pass legislation that would prevent cancer, reduce youth smoking, and improve access to palliative care.
Pennsylvania became the second state since 2013 to enact a $1-per-pack increase to the state cigarette tax. At $2.60 per pack, Pennsylvania's tobacco tax is the 10th highest in the nation. It will help save lives, help current smokers quit and prevent thousands of kids from starting to use tobacco.
Congress passed legislation to address the national public health issue of prescription drug abuse. The new law, the Comprehensive Addictions and Recovery Act (CARA), is an example of a balanced policy that not only addresses opioid addiction, but also includes provisions to help us better understand and treat chronic pain.
Following the latest lawsuit by Phillip Morris International, a World Bank tribunal ruled Uruguay can require graphic warning labels and limit cigarette pack designs. Congress could prevent similar lawsuits by passing the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade and investment agreement which prevents using such agreements to challenge tobacco control measures.
The National Cancer Moonshot Summit in Washington, D.C., in June presented a historic opportunity for the top minds in science, medicine, patient advocacy and business to come together and start the serious work of accelerating progress in the fight against cancer.