HELENA, Mont. –– Cancer patients, survivors and advocates are marking the American Cancer Society's 49th annual Great American Smokeout on Thursday by calling on elected officials across the state to do more to reduce tobacco use. The Great American Smokeout is a day for people who smoke or use any form of tobacco, including e-cigarettes or nicotine pouches, to create a plan to quit.
In Montana, tobacco use is still the leading preventable cause of disease and death, and smoking is linked to at least 12 types of cancers, including lung, liver and colorectal cancers. Each year, 1,600 die from a smoking-related disease in Montana alone. Although these hazards are well established, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show 12.4% of adults in Montana smoke. These products are highly addictive, and it can be difficult for people to quit using tobacco once they have started.
“The Great American Smokeout is not just an opportunity for people who use tobacco to set a plan to quit. It’s also a clear wake up call for lawmakers to say it’s time for Montana to stand up to Big Tobacco,” said Katharine Sutphen, Montana government relations director for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN). “For too long, Montana has allowed the tobacco industry to addict people to deadly, cancer-causing products. It’s time to say, enough is enough.’ Our residents deserve better.”
Research shows that strong tobacco control policies, like comprehensive smoke-free legislation, are effective in helping people quit. Fewer people using tobacco products means less suffering and death from tobacco-related diseases like cancer.
“Lawmakers can help support people who are trying to quit using tobacco by upholding and defending comprehensive smoke-free laws to keep all workplaces, including restaurants, bars, and casinos smoke-free,” Sutphen said. “Studies have shown that smoke-free laws and policies reduce smoking among workers and patrons and also make it less likely for kids and young adults to start smoking.”
Tobacco use is one of the primary drivers of cancer-related health disparities. Tobacco companies have specifically targeted communities of color, people with limited incomes, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ people and youth, causing disproportionate tobacco use among these populations. In 2021, the prevalence of any tobacco product use was higher among adults living in rural areas (26.2%) compared to adults living in urban areas (17.5%). Reducing the cancer burden for everyone relies heavily on eliminating tobacco use.
Free resources on quitting tobacco can be found through the American Cancer Society’s cessation program, Empowered to Quit or at Quit Now Montana.