Prevention and Cessation

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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

February 24, 2025
South Carolina

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Around 100 cancer survivors, patients, caregivers and advocates with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) from all over South Carolina will be at the Statehouse on Wednesday, February 26, for the annual “Suits and Sneakers” Cancer Action Day from 8 a.m. to 12

February 14, 2025
National

A broad coalition of patient organizations today issued the following statement in response to cuts in staff, and research funding at federal agencies vital for American health.

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.

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

Prevention and Cessation Resources

Sustained, dedicated federal investment in tobacco control through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Office of Smoking and Health (OSH) is necessary to prevent initiation of tobacco products, monitor tobacco product use, identify tobacco related disparities, and promote effective strategies to help individuals who use tobacco products to successfully quit.

Tobacco use is one of the primary causes of cancer-related health disparities - disproportionately impacting people by race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, mental health, income and education levels, and geographic location. Eliminating health disparities depends heavily on eliminating tobacco use. ACS CAN is pursuing evidence-based policies at the local, state, and federal levels that aim to reduce disparities and improve health outcomes for all individuals.

Flavors are a marketing weapon the tobacco manufacturers use to target youth and young people to a lifetime of addiction. The use of any flavored tobacco product among youth is concerning because it exposes them to a lifetime of nicotine addiction, disease, and premature death.