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New Poll: Majority of Wisconsin Voters Support Affordable Access to Cancer Care; Want Lawmakers to Address Youth Nicotine and Tobacco Use

American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Poll Shows Cancer is Top of Mind for Wisconsinites This Election Season

August 18, 2026

MADISON, Wis. – A recent poll by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) shows 81% of Wisconsin voters believe all Americans, regardless of the type of health insurance they have, should have access to affordable cancer screening and treatment close to home. Further, in the poll, 63% of likely voters in Wisconsin support a tobacco tax increase whose revenue would be dedicated to programs that prevent tobacco use. 

Conducted by Lake Research Partners and the Tarrance Group, this poll is a part of ACS CAN’s national Cancer Votes campaign—the country’s leading voter education program for cancer-related issues and policies.

“Cancer touches everyone and voters want cancer issues to be a top priority this election season. With more than 42,000 people in Wisconsin expected to be diagnosed with cancer just this year, it’s more important than ever for Wisconsinites to be heard on the healthcare issues that matter to them most,” said Sara Sahli, ACS CAN Wisconsin government relations director. “In this poll, it’s clear that voters understand elected officials have the power to improve cancer outcomes and want them to expand access to affordable healthcare, make it easier, not harder for people to get care, and increase tax on tobacco and nicotine products to reduce youth tobacco use. These policies are proven to reduce a state’s cancer burden.”

“I know how eager our volunteers are to engage with David Crowley and Tom Tiffany to discuss how their decisions as governor would impact someone's ability to prevent, detect, treat and survive cancer,” said Phil O’Brien, vice-chair of the ACS CAN National Board of Directors.

Individuals can register to vote, find their polling location, and learn more about the Cancer Votes program and upcoming local events by visiting cancervotes.org. ACS CAN is strictly nonpartisan and does not endorse, oppose, or contribute to any candidate or political party.

View the full polling memo here.

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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.  

 ACS CAN, 655 15th Street, NW, Suite 503Washington, DC 20005