New York Cancer Action Center

Public health and civil rights advocates celebrate the revival of the effort to end the sale of menthol cigarettes in New York City, coming later today when City Councilmember Rita Joseph will introduce legislation to reduce the heavy toll of menthol cigarettes on New Yorkers’ lives and lungs. Intro 1152 would prohibit the more than 5,000 licensed tobacco retailers in New York City from selling menthol cigarettes. The legislation is being championed by No More Menthols NYC-- a diverse, citywide campaign of civil rights and health advocates, including community groups, faith leaders, public health organizations and others.

New data from the U.S. Surgeon General’s report on tobacco-related disparities finds that the design and aggressive marketing of flavored tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes, has driven tobacco-related health disparities, reigniting calls in New York City to end the sale of menthol cigarettes.

Cancer patients, survivors and advocates are marking the American Cancer Society's 48th annual Great American Smokeout ® by calling on elected officials across the state to do more to limit the toll of tobacco in New York.

New York was recognized as the country’s top state advocacy team by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) in honor of their exceptional work advocating for cancer-fighting public policies.