Hartford, CT – October 30, 2017 – The following statement can be attributed to Bryte Johnson, director of government relations in Connecticut for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN).
“Although the legislature missed some opportunities to protect Nutmeggers from tobacco, they did take some significant steps to reduce cancers incidence in Connecticut. First of these being, new funding of $18 million over the length of the biennium budget to improve access to the human papillomaviruses (HPV) vaccine for all 11-12 years old boys and girls. Virtually all cervical cancers are caused by HPV and five other cancers can be caused by an HPV infection. This funding will help improve education and awareness about the vaccine and address barriers to Connecticut families accessing this cancer prevention vaccine.
“Furthermore, they legislature kept funding for Medicaid cessation and the Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (BCCEDP) at current funding levels. Medicaid Tobacco Control Funding is at $3.4 million and BCCEDP is at $2.145 million. These programs help currently tobacco users to quit and help medically underserved women gain access to life saving cancer screenings.
“Although there is still work that can be done, we commend the legislature for taking these steps to reduce the cancer burden in our state.”
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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