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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Advocates to Gov. Ferguson: Cancer Can’t Be Acceptable Outcome of State Budget-cutting Process

April 23, 2025
Washington

OLYMPIA, Wash. -– American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network advocates call on Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson to refuse to allow the long-term health of Washington residents to become collateral damage to the state’s current budget crisis. The state’s cancer prevention programs are one of the reasons Washington cancer incidence numbers

Media Advisory: “Suits and Sneakers” Cancer Action Day Brings Advocates to Columbia

February 24, 2025
South Carolina

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Around 100 cancer survivors, patients, caregivers and advocates with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) from all over South Carolina will be at the Statehouse on Wednesday, February 26, for the annual “Suits and Sneakers” Cancer Action Day from 8 a.m. to 12

Coalition of Groups Representing Tens of Millions of Patients Calls for Protection of the Nation’s Vital Health Infrastructure

February 14, 2025
National

A broad coalition of patient organizations today issued the following statement in response to cuts in staff, and research funding at federal agencies vital for American health.

Advocates Look to Governor Hochul to Address Affordability Concerns across Cancer Continuum in 2025-26 Executive Budget

January 16, 2025
New York

The following is a statement from American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) New York Senior Government Relations Director Michael Davoli: “Coming off Governor Hochul’s State of the State address earlier this week, where access to and the costs of health care were sparingly mentioned, patient advocates are hopeful that the governor prioritizes health care affordability in her executive budget proposal for FY 2025-26.

Prevention and Cessation Resources

Fact-Based Tobacco Control Policies: How Does Your State Measure Up?

August 1, 2024

A progress report on state legislative actions to reduce tobacco use and tobacco-related cancer.

Effective Policies Known to Prevent Tobacco Use and Address Tobacco-Related Disparities

July 23, 2024

Tobacco use has been found to be one of the primary drivers of cancer-related health disparities because its use disproportionately impacts people based on race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, mental health, income level, education level, and geographic location. Achieving health equity relies heavily on eliminating tobacco use. ACS CAN is pursuing fact-based tobacco control policies at the local, state and federal levels that aim to reduce disparities and improve health outcomes for everyone.

Smoking-Related Cancer Deaths by State, 2020

April 4, 2024

Tobacco use causes about one-third of cancer deaths in the nation overall, but the burden varies by state.