In Utah, where community values and pragmatism are deeply rooted, the focus of our national policy, specifically as addressed in the State of the Union, should reflect its people’s immediate and pressing needs. While noble in its intent to eradicate the scourge of cancer, the Cancer Moonshot initiative, spearheaded first by President Obama and now carried on by President Biden, must be balanced with a focus on more critical issues such as affordable housing, inflation, border security and accessible health care.

While President Biden has the opportunity to advance the Cancer Moonshot with innovative policies during this year’s address, many Utahns are grappling with the daily challenges of finding affordable housing in an increasingly tight market. Health care costs continue to be a significant concern for families and individuals, and the rising tide of inflation is stretching budgets thinner. Moreover, issues at the border remain a topic of national security and humanitarian concern.

Against this backdrop, discussing a menthol cigarette ban seems less pressing. It’s not that tobacco control isn’t important; it certainly is, given its link to cancer and other diseases. But in the hierarchy of immediate concerns, it falls behind the basic needs that ensure the stability and prosperity of our communities.

President Biden’s leadership on the Cancer Moonshot is commendable, but as he stands before the nation, he must address these fundamental issues. Housing, health care, the economy and national security are the pillars that support the well-being of every American, and they warrant urgent and decisive action.

That said, when discussing public health, the president should advocate for tobacco harm reduction over outright bans, such as that proposed for menthol cigarettes, which has sparked significant debate. Critics argue that such bans don’t stop addiction; they only push the market underground, potentially increasing the involvement of organized crime. Utah’s approach should be pragmatic, recognizing that while bans are well-intentioned, there may be more effective solutions. This approach aligns with Utah’s values of personal freedom and responsibility.

Adopting harm reduction strategies could be the key. This philosophy acknowledges that while we cannot eliminate risky behavior entirely, we can mitigate its effects. For instance, needle exchange programs have proven effective in reducing the spread of diseases among intravenous drug users. Utah has seen firsthand how such programs can contribute to public health without endorsing the risky behavior itself.

The same principle can be applied to smoking. Harm reduction in tobacco use involves helping smokers transition to less-harmful forms of nicotine consumption, recognizing that a gradual shift can be more successful and less harmful than an abrupt end, which often leads to relapse.

Nicotine replacement therapies have long been the standard, but now, innovative products such as nicotine vapes and pouches approved by the FDA offer new pathways. These products, which are less toxic than traditional cigarettes, could be a game-changer in reducing the prevalence of smoking-related diseases. This is not about giving in to tobacco; it’s about taking practical steps to save lives. With the right policies and support for innovative products, we can significantly reduce the burden of cancer and other smoking-related diseases.

President Biden’s Cancer Moonshot initiative can potentially transform the fight against cancer in the United States. By embracing harm reduction, the administration can adopt a forward-thinking approach that aligns with Utah’s values of community health, personal freedom and innovation while not overshadowing the immediate needs of affordable living, health care accessibility, economic stability and national security.

As Utahns, we understand the importance of prioritizing these foundational issues while maintaining a long-term vision for a healthier future. We hope President Biden will consider this during his address, ensuring a holistic approach that resonates with the needs and values of all Americans.

Ryan Easton is a military veteran and resides in West Jordan.

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