St. Paul, Minn. – “As lawmakers close the 2024 legislative session, their record on improving cancer policy is decidedly mixed for the nearly 38,000 Minnesotans who will be diagnosed with the disease this year.
“The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) was pleased that the state legislature came together to expand patient protections around medical debt. In the latest ACS CAN Survivor Views survey, half of surveyed cancer patients and survivors (49%) have had medical debt.
“ACS CAN was disappointed lawmakers failed to take action to prevent Big Tobacco from using kid-friendly flavors such as menthol, other candy and fruit flavors to attract the next generation and turn them into lifelong, addicted customers. We know that ending the sale of all flavored commercial tobacco products will help save lives, address tobacco-related health disparities, prevent addiction and fight cancer here in Minnesota. Every year we do nothing, Minnesota lawmakers make a choice to put tobacco industry profits before our kids’ futures.
“State lawmakers also failed to pass a bill expanding access to fertility preservation, an essential service that gives patients the opportunity to preserve fertility prior to initiating treatment. Some cancer treatments can cause infertility, and as a result, individuals with cancer may choose to preserve their fertility prior to treatment. Patients shouldn't have to choose between surviving cancer or parenthood.
“Legislators play a key role in reducing the cancer burden for people in their districts through budget and policy decisions. ACS CAN and our volunteers will continue to share our stories, engage in conversations and educate lawmakers on the burden of cancer in Minnesota.”
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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.