NASHVILLE, Tenn. – January 8, 2024 – With the 2024 legislative session set to begin Tuesday, here is a statement from Maddie Bushnell Michael, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) Tennessee government relations director:
“As Tennessee lawmakers dive into the 2024 legislative session, ACS CAN urges them to prioritize legislation to ease the burden of cancer on Tennesseans. Tennessee has cancer incidence and death rates above the national average. Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of disease and death in the Volunteer State, with smoking linked to at least 12 types of cancer. Each year, more than 35 percent of cancer deaths in Tennessee can be attributed to smoking.
“ACS CAN calls on the legislature to invest $13 million in funding for tobacco prevention and cessation programs, which are proven to work. Smoking already leads to $3.1 billion in annual health care costs in Tennessee. These programs are the most effective ways to prevent kids from starting to use tobacco and help adults quit, thus reducing these long-term costs. Furthermore, Tennesseans need these programs now more than ever as Big Tobacco continues to work hard to addict future generations with e-cigarettes and other tobacco products.
“Lawmakers vote on critical policies impacting cancer patients and their families in the General Assembly each year. The leadership of Tennessee lawmakers in 2024 is critical to the fight against cancer. ACS CAN looks forward to working with them to advocate for policies to reduce the cancer burden and help all Tennesseans.”
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About ACS CAN
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) advocates for evidence-based public policies to reduce the cancer burden for everyone. We engage our volunteers across the country to make their voices heard by policymakers at every level of government. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, detect, 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 stand with our volunteers, working to make cancer a top priority for policymakers in cities, states and our nation’s capital. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.