Thirty percent of all cancer deaths and eighty-seven percent of lung cancer deaths result from tobacco use.
Each year, about 3,400 non-smoking adults die of lung cancer from secondhand smoke.
Tobacco use is responsible for nearly one in five deaths in the U.S.
In the face of these sobering statistics, TAC joined the American Cancer Society on November 17 in the Great American Smokeout.
This day was dedicated to encourage smokers to stop smoking for at least 24 hours, and for nonsmokers to support their relatives and friends in this endeavor.
The American Cancer Society backed this event in the hope that it would prove to smokers that found enough strength to cease for a day that they could quit for good.
Closer to home, TAC worked with Pascack Hills’ student assistance counselor Ms. Mangold in order to educate the school community about the harms of chewing and smoking tobacco.
TAC also posted posters and flyers with startling images and statistics to inform students of the harms inherent in tobacco use and made announcements to increase awareness.
According to the American Cancer Society, smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the U.S. It contributes to heart disease, respiratory infections, and various cancers.
The mission of the Great American Smokeout on November 17th was to the lessen number of these deaths.
However, that one-day mission should be extended to be every day’s mission. We can help stop these preventable deaths through enlightening and supporting members of our community.
As the American Cancer Society often states, let’s help create a world with less cancer and more birthdays.
