The Great American Smokeout

Today is the 43rd annual Great American Smokeout® on Thursday. The event takes on a new theme: “Day 1,” reflecting the event’s evolution from quitting for the day to the recognition that successful cessation takes time and planning. Smokers are encouraged to use the day to map out a plan for a smoke-free life. Since 1976, the American Cancer Society has hosted the Great American Smokeout, a   to encourage people to quit smoking.

American Cancer Society Executive Director Megan Nelson says, “Here in the Carolinas we have a long history with tobacco and its devastating effects.  Though smoking rates have dropped significantly over the past decades, we still see nearly half- a -million Americans dying of smoking-related complications every year.  We at the American Cancer Society are hopeful that people will use the Great American Smokeout (GASO), as a launching point to begin a smoke free life.”

Smoking accounts for nearly one in three cancer deaths in the United States, and increases the risk cancers of the lung, mouth, larynx (voice box), pharynx (throat), esophagus (swallowing tube), kidney, cervix, liver, bladder, pancreas, stomach, and colon/rectum, as well as for myeloid leukemia.

Smoking not only causes cancer, it damages nearly every organ in the body, including the lungs, heart, blood vessels, reproductive organs, mouth, skin, eyes, and bones. About 1 out of 5 (480,000) deaths in the United States is due to smoking.

While the smoking rate has dropped significantly, from 42% in 1965 to 14% in 2017, the gains have been inconsistent. Some groups of Americans suffer disproportionately more from smoking-related cancer and other diseases, including those who have less education, who live below the poverty level, or who suffer from serious psychological distress, as well as certain racial and ethnic groups, and lesbians, gays and bisexuals.

Quitting smoking can be extremely difficult. Experts say the best approach is to start with a plan and seek support. Quitting often takes multiple attempts. Smokers are strongly advised to use proven cessation methods, such as nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs, such as patches, gum, lozenges, etc.) or prescription medications and counseling, or a combination of all, to quit smoking. It’s a good idea to talk to your doctor or pharmacist to get their advice. Support is also important. Stop-smoking programs, telephone quit lines, the American Cancer Society’s Freshstart program, self-help materials such as books and pamphlets, and smoking counselors or coaches can be a great help.

To learn more , visit: http://www.cancer.org/smokeout .