Iowa falls short when it comes to implementing legislation to prevent and reduce suffering and death from cancer, particularly in regard to its cigarette tax policy, according to a new report from the American Cancer Society. The report, “How Do You Measure Up?” rates states in nine specific areas of public policy that can help fight cancer, including increased access to care through Medicaid, funding for screening programs, smoke-free laws, cigarette tax levels, funding for tobacco prevention and cessation programs, and cessation coverage under Medicaid. “Our primary concern is Iowa’s score regarding cigarette tax rates,” said Angie Sylling, Iowa grass-roots manager for the Cancer Action Network. The organization plans to encourage legislative support for a $1.50 per pack increase in the state tax in the next legislative session. Twenty-nine states have higher cigarette taxes than Iowa’s tax, which is $1.36 per pack, according to the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.