An official website of the United States government
Tobacco Use
Smoking causes at least 30 percent of all cancer deaths in the United States. Avoiding tobacco use is the single most important step Americans can take to reduce the cancer burden in this country.
Smoking Cessation
Tobacco use can lead to nicotine dependence and serious health problems. Quitting smoking greatly reduces the risk of developing smoking-related diseases, including cancer.
Tobacco Policy/Regulatory Factors
Effective tobacco control policy and tobacco product regulation are necessary to reduce the burden of cancer on the U.S. Federal law regulates advertising, marketing, manufacturing, and distribution of tobacco products. Moreover, Federal and state laws determine coverage of tobacco dependence treatment under individual state Medicaid programs.
Secondhand Smoke
Conclusive scientific evidence shows that secondhand smoke causes premature death and disease in children and adults who do not smoke, including lung cancer in adults. Eliminating smoking in indoor spaces protects nonsmokers from exposure to secondhand smoke.