In the 39 years since the American Cancer Society launched the Great American Smokeout, we've made tremendous progress in reducing smoking rates and saving lives from tobacco use. Yet, 18 percent of adults in the United States still smoke, many teens are using multiple tobacco products and the majority of tobacco products remain unregulated. Our work certainly isn't finished. There are numerous ACS CAN-led activities happening in state capitols and city halls across the country today to commemorate the Great American Smokeout by calling for action on tobacco control policies that are proven to help people quit. Just to name a few:
This is only a sampling of the good work going on in communities across the nation to pass comprehensive smoke-free laws, increase tobacco taxes and advocate for fully funded tobacco cessation and prevention programs: the three things we know work best to help people quit smoking and discourage kids from starting a deadly habit. It's hard to ignore the buzz being generated at the state and local level. Our federal officials must keep the momentum going by taking action. Some actions that need immediate attention:
Tobacco use remains the largest cause of preventable death in our country. It costs us nearly $300 billion in health care and lost productivity costs every year. The Great American Smokeout is all about making a plan to quit, but we all know quitting smoking isn't easy. Governments at all levels need to step up and take the actions we know work to support the 75 percent of smokers who want to quit for good.
Today’s blog is one of a series of posts highlighting how ACS CAN is examining, prioritizing and pursuing policy interventions that ensure everyone has an equal opportunity to prevent, find, treat and survive cancer. Achieving health equity in communities nationwide is a cornerstone of our mission.