Advocates of stronger cancer prevention policies say Virginia is one of nearly half of the states that fall behind when it comes to legislative solutions to prevent and fight cancer. As a result, in 2015 alone nearly 14,200 state residents will be diagnosed with some form of cancer, and more than 14,800 will actually die from it.
Brian Donohue with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network says Virginia could enact evidence-based laws that are proven to save lives and reduce suffering.
"Number one, encourage cancer prevention, number two, guarantee access to affordable, quality healthcare, number three curb tobacco use, and number four, focus on our patient's quality of life."
He emphasizes tobacco use—and says eliminating it and adopting a healthier lifestyle could cut the cancer rate by half. He also points to a correlation between the price of cigarettes and the number of smokers—especially youth who take up the habit—but the true costs are higher.
"For each pack of cigarettes sold, we are going to run up 20-dollars worth of health and medical costs per pack of cigarettes."
Donahue says Virginia should raise its cigarette tax, which is the nation’s second lowest. He adds that stronger smoke-free laws would cut second-hand smoke exposure. He also says the lack of access to affordable healthcare are further compounds the problem for many smokers—and the costs to society. But Donahue says the onus isn't just on policymakers. Healthy eating and exercise would also greatly reduce cancer rates.
