WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released new advertisements today as part of its ongoing and highly successful “Tips from Former Smokers” national campaign. The 25-week ad campaign begins today and will run on national cable and network broadcast stations as well as in 37 local media markets with the highest smoking rates. Several ads included in this year’s campaign feature participants that were diagnosed with cancer as a result of their tobacco use. The following is a statement from Chris Hansen, president of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN):
“We commend the CDC for continuing their ‘Tips from Former Smokers’ campaign with the introduction of these new, compelling advertisements. This historic advertising campaign has a proven track record of encouraging people to quit tobacco and helping prevent a lifetime of addiction for the next generation.
“These powerful ads are based on strong evidence regarding which anti-smoking messages work best and have proven to be a valuable tool in the fight against this deadly addiction. Estimates provided by the CDC show that at least 500,000 smokers have quit tobacco for good as a result of the Tips campaign.
“While we continue to make progress in helping adults quit tobacco, there is still more work to do. ACS CAN is calling on Congress and the administration to prioritize efforts to reduce tobacco use and save lives by increasing funding for the CDC’s Office on Smoking and Health (OSH).
“Additionally, federal, state and local lawmakers should continue to support a comprehensive approach to tobacco control with comprehensive smoke-free laws, regular and significant increases in tobacco taxes and funding for evidence-based prevention and cessation programs, including effective mass-media campaigns. These interventions are proven to be the most effective ways to reduce tobacco use, which ultimately reduces death and suffering from tobacco-related diseases.”