Advocates Call on Lawmakers to Increase Tobacco Prevention Efforts and Increase Access to Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Services

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana – “As lawmakers head into the 2025 legislative session, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) urges legislators to support legislation that will ease the burden of cancer on Louisianians and enact prevention policies to protect kids from tobacco products and help support those who are trying to quit.

“ACS CAN calls on state lawmakers to increase the state cigarette tax by $1 per pack, with equivalent taxes on all other tobacco products, including e-cigarettes. A portion of the revenue should be dedicated to funding evidence-based tobacco prevention and cessation programs across the state.

“Raising tobacco taxes is one of the most effective ways to reduce smoking rates, prevent youth initiation, and support adults trying to quit. With the tobacco industry continuing to heavily market its deadly products in our state, Louisiana must invest in comprehensive prevention efforts to save lives and reduce health care costs.

“In addition, ACS CAN urges lawmakers to maintain $700,000 in funding for the Louisiana Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, which provides lifesaving screening services to uninsured and underinsured women.

“Finally, ACS CAN urges the legislature to protect $500,000 in state funding for the Louisiana Tumor Registry and preserve the ability of local governments to pass stronger public health policies that meet the needs of their communities.

“Over 29,000 Louisianians will hear the words, “you have cancer” this year. Gov. Landry and state lawmakers have an opportunity to lessen the burden of a cancer diagnosis for patients and their families.”

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About ACS CAN 

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) advocates for evidence-based public policies to reduce the cancer burden for everyone. We engage our volunteers across the country to make their voices heard by policymakers at every level of government. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, detect, 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 stand with our volunteers, working to make cancer a top priority for policymakers in cities, states and our nation’s capital. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.