The Great American Smokeout!

November 15 marks the 37th Great American Smokeout! This day, sponsored by the American Cancer Society, encourages smokers to use the date to make a plan to quit, or to plan in advance and quit smoking that day. By quitting — even for one day — smokers will be taking an important step towards a healthier life – one that can lead to reducing cancer risk.

Tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the US, yet about 43.8 million Americans still smoke cigarettes — Nearly 1 in every 5 adults. As of 2010, there were also 13.2 million cigar smokers in the US, and 2.2 million who smoke tobacco in pipes — other dangerous and addictive forms of tobacco.

Quitting is hard, but you can increase your chances of success with help. You can find helpful resources on the American Cancer Society website or Maryland's 1-800-QUIT-NOW website.