As Michigan lawmakers begin the 2026 legislative session, cancer prevention advocates are urging the state to take stronger action against tobacco use, noting that nearly a third of cancer deaths in Michigan are caused by smoking.

Molly Medenblik with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network says while lawmakers recently increased funding for tobacco prevention programs, Michigan still lags far behind most states.

“We spent about $1.8 million,” Medenblik said. “The legislators increased that to $4.6 million is how much we spend on these prevention cessation programs in the state. But we still rank 44th in the country for how much we spend.”

Medenblik says one approach lawmakers could consider to prevent young people from taking up the nasty habit is the state’s cigarette tax.

“Michigan has not touched the cigarette tax in over 20 years. We haven’t even looked at it at a state. So that brings in not only revenue that could go to these prevention cessation programs, but it is a deterrent for people to not pick up the habit.”

Medenblik added the stakes are high, with more than 68,000 Michiganders expected to be diagnosed with cancer this year.

In its latest State of Tobacco Control report, the American Lung Association said Michigan must do more to reduce tobacco use, including stronger oversight of tobacco and e-cigarette retailers.