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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New Poll: Majority of Georgia Voters Support Affordable Access to Cancer Care and Continued Investments in Federal Research Funding

August 13, 2026
Georgia

ATLANTA – A recent poll by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) shows 85% of Georgia voters believe all Americans, regardless of the type of health insurance they have, should have access to affordable cancer screening and treatment close to home. Further, nearly all (96%) believe that

New Poll: Majority of North Carolina Voters Support Affordable Access to Cancer Care and Continued Investments in Federal Research Funding

August 13, 2026
North Carolina

RALEIGH, N.C. – August 13, 2026 – A recent poll by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) shows 84% of North Carolina voters believe all Americans, regardless of the type of health insurance they have, should have access to affordable cancer screening and treatment close to home.

House Committee Considers FY27 Appropriations Bill with Boost to Cancer Research and Prevention Funding

June 9, 2026
National

Today, the House Committee on Appropriations considered and approved its draft FY27 appropriations bill and accompanying House Report that includes increases for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Cancer Institute (NCI), and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Division of Cancer Prevention and Control (DCPC).

Oregon Supreme Court Flavored Tobacco Ruling a Big Win for Public Health  

May 7, 2026
Oregon

SALEM, Oregon -- In a significant public health victory, the Oregon Supreme Court today issued a unanimous decision affirming Washington County’s 2021 law that ended the sale of menthol cigarettes and all other flavored tobacco products. The high court confirmed the Washington County Ordinance (WCO 878) is not preempted by

Prevention and Cessation Resources

Investment in Tobacco Control Programs

May 14, 2026

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) calls on Congress to support a sustained funding level of $310 million in Fiscal Year 2027 for fact based tobacco prevention and cessation programs and ensure the funding is used as Congress intended.

Increasing Access to FDA‑Approved Cessation Medications Through Pharmacist‑Provided Care

May 12, 2026

Pharmacists are playing an increasingly important public health role, in part due to the widespread presence of pharmacies in communities, with nearly 89% of people in the U.S.

Federal Tobacco Control Partners' Letter on Office of Smoking and Health's Infrastructure and Funding

April 15, 2026

On April 15, 2026, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Heart Association, American Lung Association, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, and the Truth Initiative sent a letter to Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, in support of efforts to fully restore staff at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The letter uplifts that reinstating capacity at the Office of Smoking and Health (OSH) at CDC is essential to ensuring congressionally appropriated funds are used effectively and that states, Tribal organizations, and territories receive uninterrupted funding, as well as technical assistance, and data-driven guidance. The letter underscores that without a fully staffed OSH, evidence-based programs that prevent youth initiation, help people quit, and reduce tobacco-related disease and costs nationwide are at serious risk.