HELENA — The American Cancer Society Action Network is drawing attention to cancer across the state by highlighting how efficiently lawmakers are tackling issues linked to the disease.
According to the organization, just this year alone, 5,920 people were diagnosed with cancer in Montana, and more than a third will die from the disease.
The American Cancer Society is pushing their “How Do You Measure Up ” campaign, a progress report on state legislative activity to reduce cancer in Montanans.
It is a color-coded system that indicates the state ranks in laws that specifically address certain types of cancers. An example of this is how Montana gets high marks for its smoke-free laws and increased access to Medicaid.
But the organization says the state could do better when it comes to indoor tanning and funding tobacco prevention efforts, especially within the youth population and the rise in e-cigarettes and vape users.
Keri Yoder, state lead ambassador for the American Cancer Society, said: “It's really important to Montanans that we try and give them every possible way to prevent cancer — it's such a deadly disease, and we know that many Montanans die every year or are diagnosed with cancer. So it’s just really important that we know what policies are being set forth by the state.”
Yoder says the epidemic of youth abusing e-cigarettes and vapes is due to the marketing strategies with emphasis on “fun” flavors to attract young adults.
To view the complete report of Montana’s cancer ratings, visit www.fightcancer.org.
