Healey Signs Bill to Address Breast Cancer Screening Inequities
Legislation will eliminate costly barriers to follow up breast cancer screening
Michelle Zimmerman
Associate Director, Regional Media Advocacy
Oral Chemotherapy Fairness and Appropriations are Legislative Priorities to Fight Cancer
As lawmakers dive into the 2023 legislative session, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network urges legislators to prioritize improving access to cancer care.
January 12, 2023
Statement from American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Government Relations Director Molly Medenblik
LANSING, MI – “As lawmakers dive into the 2023 legislative session, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) urges legislators to prioritize improving access to cancer care, increasing funding that will help prevent and detect cancer, and increasing funding to $5 million annually for tobacco prevention and cessation programs to ease the burden of cancer in Michigan.
“For roughly ten years, ACS CAN has advocated for the passage of oral chemotherapy fairness legislation and will continue to do so this year. This legislation would ensure that the out-of-pocket costs for oral and intravenous chemotherapy patients are similar. Currently, the out-of-pocket costs for some oral chemotherapy medications are higher than intravenous medications and provide an unnecessary barrier for some Michiganders.
“Furthermore, as lawmakers mull various changes to Michigan’s budget this legislative session, ACS CAN urges the legislature to increase funding for the state’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Navigation Program and increase funding for tobacco prevention and cessation services. Over 32% of cancer deaths in Michigan are attributable to smoking. The state can and we must do better.
“ACS CAN calls on the Michigan legislature to invest $5 million in tobacco prevention and cessation to make our state cleaner, safer and healthier A well-funded, fact-based tobacco control program is needed to counteract the $323.8 million per year that tobacco companies are spending to market their deadly and addictive products in Michigan. As Big Tobacco has been working hard to addict future generations with e-cigarettes and other tobacco products, the need for tobacco prevention program funding has never been greater.”
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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.
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