HONOLULU—Today, state lawmakers heard from cancer patients, survivors and volunteer advocates from across the state during a virtual Cancer Action Day, hosted by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN). During online meetings and phone calls, the group urged their lawmakers to support policies to fight cancer in Hawaii.
"Throughout this pandemic, cancer hasn’t stopped and neither have we. We let our lawmakers know that at this critical moment, we’re counting on them to prioritize efforts that will save lives from cancer," said Uri Martos, Kauai resident and state lead ambassador for ACS CAN in Hawaii. "If we’re going to eliminate cancer as a major health threat, we must ensure that public health policies such as strengthening tobacco control efforts and investing in lifesaving cancer research are top of mind for our legislators."
Specifically, the group urged state lawmakers to:
This year, 7,570 people in Hawaii will be diagnosed with cancer and 2,430 residents are expected to die from the disease. Nearly one-quarter of Hawaii’s cancer deaths are caused by smoking, which is linked to at least 13 types of cancer.
To learn more about ACS CAN’s cancer advocacy work, visit www.fightcancer.org/hawaii.
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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.