MENDOTA HEIGHTS, Minn. - Minnesotans are making great strides in some areas but losing ground in others in the fight against cancer, according to a new report.

Death rates in seven of the top 15 cancer types have declined for both men and women over the most recent five and 10-year periods, according to the Minnesota Cancer Facts and Figures 2011 report, issued by the American Cancer Society, the Minnesota Department of Health and the Minnesota Cancer Alliance. However, the report indicates that obesity, cultural differences in cancer rates and a lack of cancer screenings are concerns that will continue to affect the state in the coming years.

One significant trend is great news for women, according to Matt Flory, the Cancer Society's Minnesota director for health-care partnerships.

"Smoking is down, and we see that that has contributed - for the first time ever - to a decrease in lung cancer mortality among women. It had been going down for men, but going up for women."

The report reveals that cancer trends are not shared equally among races. African-Americans and American Indians have higher death rates than do whites. Flory says contributing factors could include socioeconomic status, disparities in access to health care, and diet or exercise habits.

Weight continues to be a troubling trend overall, Flory says.

"Nearly two out of three Minnesotans are overweight, and one out of four are obese. Because of the links between obesity and cancer, we're nervous that obesity-related cancers are going to increase."

People tend to downplay factors over which they actually have control in reducing cancer risks, Flory says. That's a phenomenon he hopes will change as people realize the power of choice.

"One of the things this report really underscores is the choices you make - whether you smoke, how much you balance exercise and physical activity - have a huge impact on cancer rates. It's one of the things we're starting to see in the numbers."

Getting screened is one simple choice that makes a big difference in fighting such treatable conditions as colon cancer, Flory says. Only one in three Minnesotans is up-to-date on screenings and one in four has never been screened.

"Colon cancer screening actually can catch problems before they become disease, actually preventing it. If we can increase those rates, we can offset future cases of colon cancer and future cancer deaths. "

The American Cancer Society offers 24-hour information at 1-800-227-2345 or online at cancer.org.


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After more than 50 years of use, some Michigan lawmakers say naloxone may not be the best choice in an overdose situation.

Naloxone is sometimes called the "Lazarus drug" because of its powerful ability to seemingly resurrect people after a drug overdose.

Sen. Kevin Hertel, D-St. Clair Shores, and some of his colleagues have introduced a bill which would open the door for what they say are more costly, but more powerful, antidotes.

"Given the prevalence of fentanyl in our communities, and how much stronger some of these drugs that we're now seeing are, we believe -- and in talking with others -- that there should be other tools to respond to an overdose," Hertel explained. "To make sure we're doing everything we can to save somebody's life."

Not everyone is on board with the proposed legislation, Senate Bill 542. Opponents argued the more expensive naloxone alternatives are not necessary, and using them would only increase profits for the pharmaceutical industry.

Jonathan Stoltman, director of the Opioid Policy Institute in Grand Rapids, said while the naloxone alternatives do help in overdose situations, they can also cause nasty side effects.

"The newer approaches, they put people into more severe withdrawal," Stoltman pointed out. "That's a pretty profound negative side effect. The one approach is very inexpensive and works great; the other approach is far more expensive and has this strong negative side effect."

Sponsors of the bill say they're hoping to give Michigan residents a chance to chime in on the issue in a public hearing sometime in June. Michigan saw more than 3,000 opioid overdose deaths in 2021.


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New Mexico saw record enrollment numbers for the Affordable Care Act this year and is now setting its sights on lowering out-of-pocket costs - those not reimbursed by insurance. More than 56,000 New Mexicans are enrolled in a medical health insurance plan on the state exchange - an increase of 12,000 people overall.

Colin Baillio, deputy superintendent with the state's Office of Insurance, said the state has boosted its outreach and made efforts to improve the overall consumer experience.

"We saw a 40% year-over-year increase, and New Mexico saw the biggest percentage increase during the open-enrollment period among all of the state-based marketplaces," he explained

Part of the enrollment increase is due to what's called the "unwinding" - a federal directive that required all states to redetermine Medicaid eligibility following a three-year pause on checks during the COVID pandemic. He said by using expanded tools made available by the federal and state government, 8% of New Mexico's population is now uninsured - down from 23% in 2010.

Following approval by lawmakers in the 2024 legislative session, the New Mexico governor signed seven health care-related bills into law - one of which requires annual reporting of prescription drug pricing. Baililo said the Affordable Care Act built the foundation that has allowed the state to pursue additional affordability initiatives.

"I'm really glad to see that there's so much interest in the next step of health reform, really leaning into these out-of-pocket cost issues and making it easier for people to afford to stay covered and see their doctors," he continued.

Two years ago, the state also passed a one-of-a-kind law that did away with behavioral health co-pays for people in certain insurance plans.

New York's medical aid-in-dying bill is gaining further support. The Medical Society of the State of New York is supporting the bill. New York's bill allows terminally ill people with only six months to live to use this option, with safeguards requiring two physicians' approval.

The bill's Assembly sponsor Amy Paulin, D-Westchester, said despite the growing support, other hurdles lie ahead.

"Now we have what I believe, if it came to the floor, a majority. There's still a hesitation on the part of leadership. You know, we need members to assure leadership that they no longer have reservations," she said.

Other newly resolved concerns center on making sure insurance companies and doctors who don't support this aren't held liable. She's optimistic the bill will pass after nine years in the Legislature. New York would be the 11th state along with Washington, D.C. to have medical aid in dying legislation.

Corinne Carey, senior New York campaign director with Compassion and Choices finds the pandemic drew a vivid picture of a person's end-of-life experience. There were images of people dying on ventilators, apart from loved ones, and unable to communicate. She said people began thinking about a "good death."

"And, what is a good death is being surrounded by loved ones, having some measure of control, experiencing the touch of your loved ones, and being the one in the driver's seat," she explained.

Now people have different options for end-of-life care, each of which presents various challenges. Polls show medical aid in dying has garnered considerable support since being introduced in 2015. A 2022 Compassion and Choices poll finds 57% of nurses support medical aid in dying professionally, although fewer support it personally.