Prevention and Cessation

Share

Photo of two hands breaking a cigarette

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

See More Updates

As Holidays Approach, 49th Great American Smokeout® Calls for Renewed Commitment to Help Americans Quit Tobacco

November 18, 2025
National

This Thursday, the American Cancer Society will host the 49 th annual Great American Smokeout .

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.

Prevention and Cessation Resources

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.

Increasing Access to FDA-Approved Cessation Medication through Pharmacies

February 6, 2024

Pharmacies can offer an additional opportunity to aid individuals wanting to quit tobacco by providing immediate support and access to FDA-approved cessation medications.