Prevention and Cessation

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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

September 16, 2026
Wisconsin

KENOSHA, Wis. – Wisconsin State Rep. Amanda Nedweski (R - Pleasant Prairie) received the National Distinguished Advocacy Award this week, the most prestigious award presented by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), in recognition of her significant contribution in the fight against cancer. ACS CAN presents

September 14, 2026
National

More than 750 cancer patients, survivors and advocates from all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Guam and Puerto Rico, will be on Capitol Hill this week.

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

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.

Prevention and Cessation Resources

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.

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.

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.