AUGUSTA – MAY 30 – Today, cancer survivors, youth advocates and medical professionals from across the state gathered in Augusta, alongside public health advocacy groups, to urge the legislature to support policies that would help fight cancer in Maine. The visit was part of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network’s (ACS CAN) annual lobby day, which brought about 50 people touched by cancer together to call on the Maine legislature to make cancer a priority.
Specifically, the event focused on protecting youth from the dangers of tobacco addiction by supporting LD 1170, which would increase the legal sale age of tobacco products to 21. The bill is sponsored by Senator Paul Davis (R-Piscataquis).
“Tobacco remains the leading cause of preventable disease and premature death in Maine, and 95 percent of smokers start before the age of 21,” said Hilary Schneider, director of government relations for ACS CAN in Maine. “Senator Davis’ bill gives us an opportunity to help change this by limiting youth access to this deadly product.”
Hannah Dow, and 8th grader from Topsham, spoke about her experiences with tobacco use among her peers, “I am 14, and have already seen kids at my school use and brag about smoking cigarettes and cigars, or using chew, and e-cigarettes with all their candy-like flavors. Older siblings and friends who are 18 buy these products for younger kids, making them more likely to start using and get addicted.”
“The human brain continues to develop until 26,” said Dr. Dylan McKenney, pediatric psychiatrist in Lewiston and President of the Maine Association of Psychiatric Physicians, “before that age, the developing brain is more susceptible to becoming dependent on addictive substances, such as tobacco. Nicotine addiction at a young age increases the odds for smoking well in adulthood – thus increasing the likelihood a person will suffer from smoking related disease or death.”
“Eighty percent of youth smokers will become adult smokers and one half of adult smokers will die prematurely from tobacco related disease,” said Becky Smith, director of government relations for the American Heart Association in Maine. “Most teens who smoke and use tobacco report getting cigarettes and other products from their friends. Reducing youth access to tobacco will reduce use – which will not only save lives, but will also save the state in healthcare dollars.”
In Maine, approximately 8,750 people are diagnosed with cancer every year, and 3,260 die from the disease. 29 percent cancer deaths in the state can be attributed to smoking.
“700 Maine kids under 18 will become new daily smokers this year,” said Schneider. “It’s time for the Maine legislature to act to bring down that number, and vote in support of increasing the sale age of tobacco products to 21.”
About ACS CAN
ACS CAN, the nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society, supports evidence-based policy and legislative solutions designed to eliminate cancer as a major health problem. ACS CAN works to encourage elected officials and candidates to make cancer a top national priority. ACS CAN gives ordinary people extraordinary power to fight cancer with the training and tools they need to make their voices heard. For more information, visit www.fightcancer.org.
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