New Report on Smoking Cessation Released by the Surgeon General

The U.S. Surgeon General has released a new report that shows the latest evidence on the importance of quitting smoking to improve health. Thirty years after the first Surgeon General’s report on smoking cessation, this report finds that more than two-thirds of U.S. adult cigarette smokers reported an interest in quitting smoking. Nearly 34 million American adults currently smoke cigarettes. Among adult cigarette smokers, past-year quit attempts and recent and longer-term cessation has increased over the past twenty years.

While cigarette smoking among adults is at an all-time low at 14%, it is still the leading cause of preventable disease, disability, and death in the United States. Smoking can cause cancer almost anywhere in the body. Quitting smoking reduces the risk of many negative health effects, including numerous cancers.

Smoking Cessation: A Report of the Surgeon General

Quitting Smoking is Beneficial at Any Age

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Smoking remains the leading preventable cause of death and disease in the U.S. Although the percentage of adults who smoke is at an all-time low in the U.S., 34 million adults still smoke and therefore continue to be at risk of developing smoking-related diseases.

This report makes it clear that one of the most important actions people can take to improve their health is to quit smoking. This is true regardless of their age or how long they’ve been smoking.

Quitting smoking can be difficult, but there are proven treatments and strategies to help people quit smoking successfully. The report outlines the latest research on these treatments including counseling (in-person and over the telephone with a quitline) and medications approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The report also sheds light on new and emerging opportunities to further promote and support cessation in our country.

We know more about the science of quitting than ever before. Ultimately, the report serves as a call to action to our nation—we can and must do more to ensure that proven cessation treatments are reaching the people that need them.