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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Media Advisory: “Suits and Sneakers” Cancer Action Day Brings Advocates to Columbia

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

Coalition of Groups Representing Tens of Millions of Patients Calls for Protection of the Nation’s Vital Health Infrastructure

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.

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

Prevention and Cessation Resources

Tobacco Control Programs Need Adequate Funding and Continued Investment

September 29, 2022

Tobacco is still the number one cause of preventable death nationwide yet the current funding levels for tobacco control programs is not sufficient to prevent and address tobacco-related disparities. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that states annually spend 12% of funds from tobacco taxes and lawsuits on tobacco control programs.

Decriminalizing Commercial Tobacco: Addressing Systemic Racism in the Enforcement of Commercial Tobacco Control

December 9, 2020

This joint statement from a consortium of public health organizations sets forth aspirational principles to help local and state health departments, decisionmakers, advocates, and other stakeholders advance equitable enforcement practices related to the purchase, possession, sale, and distribution of all tobacco products. These principles can also help address tobacco addiction and reduce tobacco-related harms while maintaining and improving the efficacy of enforcement of commercial tobacco laws and policies.

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