Prevention and Cessation

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Tobacco Control

Our work to reduce tobacco use has led to funding for highly successful quitlines and youth programs that educate children about the perils of using tobacco, including cigarettes, hookah and e-cigarettes. 

These programs will help prevent children from starting a deadly tobacco addiction and help more adults quit. 

Smoking rates are at their lowest levels in decades, with 1.9 percent of high school kids and 11.5 percent of adults smoking cigarettes.

Latest Updates

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Advocates Urge South Dakota Lawmakers to Provide the Tools to Detect, Defeat Breast Cancer, Keep Tobacco Fund Intact

January 14, 2025
South Dakota

PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota legislators begin a new session today and American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network advocates will urge them to take the opportunity to assure those at risk for breast cancer have the tools needed for early detection and defeat of the disease. Regular mammograms are an

Advocates Call on Washington Lawmakers to Prioritize Expanding Access to Biomarker Testing

January 13, 2025
Washington

OLYMPIA, Wash. -- As Washington legislators convene today for a new session, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network advocates will ask them to prioritize patients' ready access to needed and proven biomarker testing. Biomarker testing is about identifying the most effective treatment for patients with cancer and other serious illnesses.

New Law Leaves Menthol Tobacco Products on the Market: More Must Be Done

December 27, 2024
Rhode Island

PROVIDENCE – December 28, 2024 – Starting the first of the year, menthol flavored e-cigarette products will still be on store shelves across Rhode Island. The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) and its team of advocates, including cancer survivors and patients, are disappointed with

Montana Must Stand Up to Big Tobacco, Protect Kids from Addiction

November 21, 2024
Montana

HELENA, MONT. –– Cancer patients, survivors and advocates are marking the American Cancer Society's 48th annual Great American Smokeout® today by calling on elected officials across the state to do more to reduce tobacco use. The Great American Smokeout is a day for people who use tobacco to create a

Prevention and Cessation Resources

Fact-Based Tobacco Control Policies: How Does Your State Measure Up?

August 1, 2024

A progress report on state legislative actions to reduce tobacco use and tobacco-related cancer.

Effective Policies Known to Prevent Tobacco Use and Address Tobacco-Related Disparities

July 23, 2024

Tobacco use has been found to be one of the primary drivers of cancer-related health disparities because its use disproportionately impacts people based on race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, mental health, income level, education level, and geographic location. Achieving health equity relies heavily on eliminating tobacco use. ACS CAN is pursuing fact-based tobacco control policies at the local, state and federal levels that aim to reduce disparities and improve health outcomes for everyone.

Smoking-Related Cancer Deaths by State, 2020

April 4, 2024

Tobacco use causes about one-third of cancer deaths in the nation overall, but the burden varies by state.