Eagan, MN – As we embark on a new legislative session, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) prompts legislators to promote public policies that help all Minnesotans prevent, diagnose, treat and survive cancer.
This year in Minnesota, more than 33,000 people will hear the words “you have cancer” and will begin their battle against this disease. While cancer affects everyone, it does not affect everyone equally. ACS CAN is committed to working with lawmakers to address the youth tobacco use epidemic, as well as the health disparities that contribute to a higher cancer rate, later stage diagnoses and higher mortality rate among communities of color, low-income residents, rural residents and other medically underserved groups.
Tobacco use is the leading risk factor for cancer. And it’s also highly addictive. Funding of commercial tobacco prevention and cessation programs and ending the sale of all flavored tobacco products have both been proven to help keep kids from starting to use tobacco products – including e-cigarettes – and help adults quit.
Meanwhile, funding for breast and cervical cancer early detection programs helps ensure lower-income, uninsured and underinsured women have access to potentially lifesaving cancer screening and early detection services. These programs are critical for our work to improve cancer disparities and health care equity.
“Amid the pandemic, ACS CAN volunteers are working incessantly to help ensure our elected officials put the health of Minnesotans first. Our families, friends and neighbors deserve to live full, healthy lives, no matter their income, race, zip code or different abilities,” said Emily Myatt, ACS CAN Minnesota government relations director.
ACS CAN legislative priorities include:
ACS CAN volunteers look forward to working with Minnesota lawmakers in the fight against cancer. For more information on how policymakers, businesses, organizations and individuals play a role in defeating cancer, visit fightcancer.org/MN.