In February 2012, the California Medical Association (CMA) joined the American Cancer Society, American Lung Association, American Heart Association, Lance Armstrong Foundation and hundreds of public health advocates by endorsing Proposition 29, set to appear on the June 2012 ballot. The measure will raise the cost of a pack of cigarettes by $1 and dedicate those new funds to cancer research and smoking cessation efforts.
By providing critical new funding for life-saving research, California can make ground-breaking advances in the detection, treatment, prevention and cure of cancer, heart disease, stroke and other smoking-attributed illnesses. Despite advances in treatment and prevention, nearly one out of two Californians born today will get cancer some time in their life. In fact, cancer and heart disease kill more people in California than any other cause of death.
In a press release announcing CMA’s endorsement, James T. Hay, CMA President, said, “Our organization strongly believes in protecting public health and by supporting Prop 29 we are doing just that. This initiative will provide vital funding to make advances in prevention, detection and treatment of cancer, heart disease and other smoking-related illnesses.”
Please join CMA by voting YES in June. To sign up for campaign updates, become a volunteer or to help spread the word, visit the Yes on Prop 29 website here.