ACS Can Helps to Raise Awareness about Lung Cancer

Lung Cancer is the second most common cancer among men and women in the U.S. and is the leading cause of cancer death. Since smoking tobacco is the primary cause of lung cancer, the American Cancer Society, the American Heart and Lung Associations and others have endorsed California Senate Bill 793 which prohibits the sale of flavored tobacco products in stores. According to the CDC, youth who use tobacco products are at higher risk for developing nicotine addiction, and flavored tobacco products are attractive to teens. The bill, which was passed by California law makers and signed by Governor Newsom, prohibits retailers from selling flavored tobacco products including vapes and menthol cigarettes starting January 1, 2021.
Success in passing this bill was in part due to the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) which is the nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society. ACS CAN is composed of volunteer-led legislative action teams in every state and congressional district in the nation. They work to bring about change by influencing elected officials to support legislation that strengthens the fight against cancer.
Andrew Munson, our local ambassador for ACS CAN, has helped to promote legislation that increases funding and improves outcomes for cancer patients. He has reached out to city officials on behalf of the American Cancer Society and hopes to organize an annual forum with local city council members and elected state officials to explain the important issues that ACS CAN advocates. Munson says, “It would be an opportunity for local activists to talk to staff members and this could impact the future of cancer research and treatment.”
November is Lung Cancer Awareness month so it is an appropriate time to acknowledge the important work that ACS CAN accomplished for SB 793 and its continuing efforts to raise awareness, advance legislation, and ensure that law makers provide necessary funds for cancer research and treatment.
To volunteer with ACS CAN, please visit www.cancer.org/involved/volunteer and click on ACS Cancer Action Network. For more information or live 24/7 support, contact ACS toll-free at 1-800-227-2345 or chat with us at www.cancer.org.