LANSING, MICH. – Cancer patients and survivors are marking the American Cancer Society's 47th annual Great American Smokeout® Thursday by calling on elected officials to protect the health of all Michigan residents by investing $5 million in the state tobacco control program.
"Nearly 70% of people who currently smoke cigarettes want to quit, and the Great American Smokeout® is about helping people reach that important goal. We know increasing funding for the state’s tobacco prevention and cessation programs to $5 million annually will help people quit and save lives," said Molly Medenblik, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network government relations director. "A well-funded, fact-based tobacco control program is needed to counteract the $323.8 million per year that tobacco companies are spending to market their deadly and addictive products in Michigan. As Big Tobacco has been working hard to addict future generations with e-cigarettes and other tobacco products, the need for tobacco prevention program funding has never been greater."
Tobacco use is still the leading preventable cause of disease and death in Michigan, and smoking is now linked to at least 12 cancers, including lung, liver and colorectal cancers. A new ACS study found that in 2019, 32.3% of Michigan cancer deaths were due to smoking. Additionally, in 2020, the prevalence of any tobacco product use was higher among adults living in rural areas (27.3%) compared to adults living in urban areas (17.7%).
“This Great American Smokeout® we urge lawmakers to prioritize investing in fact-based tobacco control programs. In doing so, Michigan will take a decisive step towards reducing tobacco use and its devastating toll on our communities while advancing our mission to end cancer as we know it for everyone,” said Medenblik.
Free resources on quitting smoking can be found at MI Tobacco Quitline or through the American Cancer Society’s new cessation program, Empowered to Quit.
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About ACS CAN
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) makes cancer a top priority for policymakers at every level of government. ACS CAN empowers volunteers across the country to make their voices heard to influence evidence-based public policy change that improves the lives of people with cancer and their families. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, find, treat, and survive cancer. Since 2001, as the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN has successfully advocated for billions of dollars in cancer research funding, expanded access to quality affordable health care, and advanced proven tobacco control measures. We’re more determined than ever to stand together with our volunteers to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org