ST. PAUL, Minn. – “As lawmakers dive into the 2023 legislative session, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) urges legislators to prioritize passing legislation to ease the burden of cancer on Minnesotans.
“ACS CAN calls on the legislature to improve coverage of comprehensive biomarker testing, a game changer in the fight against cancer and an essential step in accessing precision medicine treatments. Dubbed ‘the right treatment at the right time,’ precision medicine has played a critical role in improving survivorship and creating better quality of life for cancer patients. Despite its benefits, insurance coverage is failing to keep pace with innovations and advancements in treatment. Legislation is needed to ensure all Minnesotans, regardless of income, geography, race, ethnicity, or age, can access biomarker testing if they need it.
“In Minnesota, we need to hold the tobacco industry accountable for targeting their products to kids, African Americans, American Indians and the LGBTQ+ community. The tobacco industry markets fruit and candy-flavored products, including menthol cigarettes, to these specific populations. ACS CAN supports legislation to end the sale of menthol cigarettes and all other flavored tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, flavored cigars, hookah, and smokeless tobacco. Our state can also pass legislation this year to ensure more Minnesotans can access the tobacco cessation treatment services they need and to dedicate funding to proven tobacco prevention and cessation programs.
“Finally, ACS CAN recommends that the funds recovered through Minnesota’s settlement with JUUL Labs, Inc. (“JUUL”) be directed to evidence-based tobacco prevention and cessation programs and used to counter the harms of nicotine addiction and the associated health risks posed by e-cigarettes, which were exacerbated by JUUL’s marketing and sales practices.
“ACS CAN is committed to making sure all Minnesotans have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, find, treat, and survive cancer. For our full legislative agenda, please visit https://www.fightcancer.org/2023-acs-can-minnesota-state-legislative-priorities.”
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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.