Although the United States has made great strides toward reducing the
prevalence of smoking, approximately 46 million adults (20.6% of the population)
still smoke (
1), and every day, another 1,000 young persons become new
smokers (
2). Annually, smoking results in
440,000 deaths and $193 billion in health-care costs and lost productivity
(
3). November 19 marks the 33rd anniversary of
the American Cancer Society's Great American Smokeout. This annual event
challenges smokers to quit for at least 1 day and provides information resources
to help them quit permanently.
Quitting smoking has immediate and long-term benefits, including reduced risk
for heart disease and certain cancers. Successful quitting often takes several
tries. To improve success, smokers should use proven cessation treatments and
services, including health-care guidance, approved medications, and cessation
counseling. Combining counseling and medications can more than double cessation
success. More information about the Great American Smokeout is available at
http://www.cancer.org, and free help for
quitting smoking is available by calling 800-QUIT-NOW (800-784-8669) or visiting
http://www.smokefree.gov.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Results from the
2008 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: detailed tables, 4-10A and 4-11A.
Rockville, MD: US Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Applied
Studies; 2009. Available at
http://www.oas.samhsa.gov/nsduh/2k8nsduh/tabs/sect4petabs1to16.htm#tab4.10a.
Accessed November 4, 2009.
