CHEYENNE, Wyo. -- Mar – American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) volunteer advocates from across the state today urged lawmakers to take a stand against Big Tobacco and to prioritize the health and quality of life of Wyomingites over distant corporations that reap massive profits from peddling deadly, addictive products in the Equality State.
In Wyoming, tobacco use is still the leading preventable cause of disease and death, and smoking is now linked to at least 12 types of cancers, including lung, liver and colorectal cancers. Each year, more than 27% of Wyoming cancer deaths are linked to smoking. Although these hazards are well established, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show 14% of adults in Wyoming smoke and Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids data indicates nearly 30% of state high school students use e-cigarettes, nearly four times higher than the national average. These products are highly addictive, and it can be difficult for people to quit once they have started.
“Wyoming is in the midst of a health care crisis and, as is true in every single state, tobacco is a big part of those spiraling costs -- annual health care costs caused by smoking in Wyoming are $300 million -- well as the health issues faced by our residents,” ACS CAN Wyoming Government Relations Director Katharine Sutphen said. “Today we let lawmakers know that the tobacco problem is one that should be a top priority in this, next and every session.”