Pierre, S.D. – Capitol staff, lawmakers and cancer advocates of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) wore suits and sneakers on Wednesday, February 12, 2020 at the South Dakota Capitol. This annual event draws attention the detrimental effect cancer has on patients, survivors and their loved ones. ACS CAN volunteers urged legislators to prioritize South Dakotan’s health and make fighting cancer a top priority in 2020.
“We all have a part in the fight against cancer, and it was great to see so many people wearing sneakers today and supporting the cause” said David Benson ACS CAN South Dakota government relations director. “However, it is now on our state lawmakers to put South Dakotans first and protect our kids from tobacco products.”
The visit was part of Cancer Action Day at the Capitol, which brought together cancer patients, survivors, their family and friends, and policy experts to encourage lawmakers to address the youth tobacco use epidemic through regulation of tobacco products including e-cigarettes.
Tobacco is the leading cause of preventable death and smoking causes 1,300 deaths each year in the state of South Dakota. The use of e-cigarettes is also skyrocketing among young people, with 17.3% of high school students in the state using these products.
Cancer advocates were pleased to speak with their elected officials and look forward to continuing their conversations throughout the legislative session.
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About ACS CAN
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) is making cancer a top priority for public officials and candidates at the federal, state and local levels. ACS CAN empowers advocates across the country to make their voices heard and influence evidence-based public policy change as well as legislative and regulatory solutions that will reduce the cancer burden. As the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN is critical to the fight for a world without cancer. For more information, visit www.fightcancer.org.