ACS CAN Asks Governor Murphy to Make Cancer Issues a Policy Priority

TRENTON, NJ –Jan. 16, 2018 – American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), New Jersey Government Relations Director Brian Shott released this statement prior to Governor Philip D. Murphy’s inauguration:

“It is projected that in 2018 more than 53,000 New Jerseyans will hear the chilling message that they have cancer. More than 16,000 of our state’s residents will lose their lives to cancer this year. We know that we can and must do better.

“As Governor Murphy begins his administration, we ask him and the state legislature to act quickly and decisively to save lives and protect health. One significant action that has proven to be especially effective is to significantly increase the tax on cigarettes. This action will help discourage young people from beginning the deadly addiction, and further incentivize others to quit.

“Helping current smokers quit is also crucial in saving lives. That is why Governor Murphy and our state legislature must help assure that cessation programs are covered by Medicaid, and that our state begins to provide adequate support for tobacco cessation and prevention programs.

“Other ways that Governor Murphy and the legislature can help to reduce the burden of cancer include supporting the availability of palliative care for those, including cancer patients, who are seriously ill and their families, and working to make sure that cancer patients have access to the medications and treatments that they need.

 “Governor Murphy, please make these issues priorities. Our volunteers look forward to working with you and members of the legislature to save lives and protect the health of all New Jerseyans.” 

ACS CAN, the nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society, supports evidence-based policy and legislative solutions designed to eliminate cancer as a major health problem. ACS CAN works to encourage elected officials and candidates to make cancer a top national priority. ACS CAN gives ordinary people extraordinary power to fight cancer with the training and tools they need to make their voices heard. For more information, visit www.fightcancer.org.

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