LANSING, MI – “As the 2025 legislative session gets underway, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) urges legislators to prioritize improving access to cancer care and increasing funding for tobacco control programs to ease the burden of cancer in Michigan.
“As lawmakers consider Michigan’s budget this legislative session, ACS CAN urges the legislature to increase funding by $5 million to bring funding for tobacco prevention and programs that help those already addicted quit to $9.6 million. With nearly 32% of cancer deaths in the state being attributable to smoking, a well-funded, fact-based program to help people quit tobacco is needed to reduce the burden of cancer. Furthermore, as Big Tobacco has been working hard to addict future generations with e-cigarettes and other tobacco products, the need for a substantially funded tobacco prevention program has never been greater.
“ACS CAN is also asking lawmakers to prioritize passing copay accumulator legislation to ensure Michiganders receive the total value of prescription drug assistance to afford their treatments. Many patients face high out-of-pocket costs for their prescription drugs, and copay assistance programs are critical to helping patients access the needed therapies. Fighting cancer is hard enough; lawmakers should do all they can to make paying for the treatment less of a burden.
“Over 64,000 Michiganders heard the words, “you have cancer” last year. State lawmakers have an opportunity to reduce these numbers by investing in programs that reduce tobacco use and lessen the burden of a cancer diagnosis for those who will hear those words in the future.”