Vote yes on I-185 and help reduce smoking rates
As a nurse, mother and Helenan, I encourage you to vote yes on Initiative 185.
I have served as the director of the Cancer Treatment Center and Oncology at St. Peter’s Health since 2013. In the world of cancer care, you often hear the saying “cancer does not discriminate.” This statement is true in most cases. We do not know how to prevent many common cancers like breast cancer, which seem to afflict our family, friends and neighbors at random.\
On the other hand, lung cancer can discriminate. Cigarette smoking is linked to up to 90 percent of lung cancer cases and tobacco and tobacco-related diseases kill 1,600 Montanans annually. Every year, I see cigarette use cut lives short and witness the devastating impact it has on local families.
Since we are fortunate to know what causes the vast majority of lung cancer cases, we can take direct action as a community to prevent it.
By raising the cost of tobacco products we can reduce smoking rates and help prevent another generation from becoming hooked on a deadly habit. I hope you join me in voting yes on I-185 for healthy Helena families.