The American Cancer Society is encouraging smokers to kick the
habit on Nov. 15 as part of the organization’s Great American
Smokeout. Now in its 37th year, the smokeout is an opportunity
for smokers to quit on that day or to make a plan to quit. An
estimated 1 billion people worldwide will die during the 21st
century because of tobacco use, according to The Tobacco Atlas,
published by the American Cancer Society and World Lung
Foundation. “Tobacco use remains the single largest preventable
cause of disease and premature death in the United States,”
Cheryl Tucker, vice president of health initiatives for the
American Cancer Society, said in a press release. “Quitting
smoking is the most important thing you can do for your health
and the Great American Smokeout is a great way to start.”
Tobacco use accounts for at least 30 percent of all cancer
deaths and 80 percent of lung cancer deaths. In the U.S.,
tobacco use is responsible for nearly one in five deaths, or
about 443,000 premature deaths each year. Smokers