Smoking Facts

Despite countless efforts over the last 30 years, the estimated effects of smoking are staggering. Smoking alone causes approximately 30% of all cancer deaths and a total of 440,000 premature deaths annually. An estimated $157 billion in annual health-related economic losses are attributed to smoking. One out of 5 adults continues to smoke and 4 out 10 nonsmokers are exposed to secondhand smoke. Worse yet, 1 out of 2 children (aged 3-11 years) are exposed to secondhand smoke. With such strong statistical data, tobacco is the leading environmental and preventable cause of death.

While smoking is the number one cause of lung cancer, it also has been identified to be a risk factor for other cancers including

• Head and Neck
• Leukemia
• Stomach
• Kidney
• Pancreas
• Colon
• Bladder
• Cervix

Smoking also contributes to other non-cancer related diseases.

• Stroke 
• Chronic obstructive lung disease
• Blindness 
• Aortic rupture 
• Heart disease 
• Reduced fertility
• Hip fractures

Despite the continued awareness campaigns on the effects of smoking, tobacco use still remains prevalent. In 2008, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that smoking in the United States had failed to decline for the first time in years. Adult smoking rates vary across the United States, but the states with the most smokers are in the Midwest and Southeast regions. Tennessee ranks in the 2^nd highest category with 19-22% of the population reporting that they are smokers. According to the 2009 American Lung Association report, Tennessee received a grade of “F." The failing grade was attributed to the lack of tobacco prevention and control measures to help smokers kick the habit.

National marketing campaigns continue to focus on reaching current smokers, especially teens and young adults, about the effects of smoking. The latest FDA regulations have mandated that the graphical effects of smoking be printed on cigarette packs. It will take some time to measure the effects from the FDA’s new regulations but today, more than 23% of our youth continue to use tobacco.

Tennessee took a step forward in 2007, by passing the Non-Smokers Protection Act (prohibiting smoking in most public places and workplaces). Additionally, the legislature increased the cost of cigarettes by $0.62 per pack. When factoring in the increase in sales tax per pack, financially the burden of tobacco (in an economically challenged state) is eye opening. According to the American Cancer Society, the cost of smoking over time is

• Close to $190 per month
• More than $2,000 a year
• More than $11,000 in 5 years
• More than $45,000 in 20 years

There are many ways to quit. The State of Tennessee supports a Tobacco QuitLine (1.800.QUIT.NOW) that is free and provides one-on-one guidance for smokers to become tobacco free. Other resources are provided through the Freedom From Smoking course created by the American Lung Association and the Guide to Quit Smoking by the American Cancer Society.

Our Volunteer State is committed to help improve the health of our citizens by advocating for a smoke-free environment and supporting those dependent on tobacco. Tobacco is a public health hazard and through comprehensive control programs in our communities, we can make progress forward in this battle against the number one most preventable source of death in the United States.

For more information, visit the Cancer Institute or visit our smoking cessation page.