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 Look to Governor Hochul to Address Affordability Concerns across Cancer Continuum in 2025-26 Executive Budget

January 16, 2025
New York

The following is a statement from American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) New York Senior Government Relations Director Michael Davoli: “Coming off Governor Hochul’s State of the State address earlier this week, where access to and the costs of health care were sparingly mentioned, patient advocates are hopeful that the governor prioritizes health care affordability in her executive budget proposal for FY 2025-26.

2025 is the Time to Reduce the Cancer Burden on Floridians

January 15, 2025
Florida

TALLAHASSEE, Florida – As Florida legislators begin committee meetings for the 2025 session, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) calls on them to prioritize reducing the cancer burden on Floridians. Susan Harbin , Florida government relations director for ACS CAN released the following statement: “We thank lawmakers

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.

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.