TOBACCO STILL LEADING CAUSE OF DEADLY CANCERS DESPITE DECLINING SMOKING RATES. (PHOTO).

 Tobacco still leading cause of deadly cancers despite declining smoking rates

Tobacco continues to be the leading preventable cause of cancer deaths in the U.S., even as smoking rates have fallen dramatically, according to a new report from the American Cancer Society. More than 80% of lung cancer deaths are linked to tobacco, highlighting the ongoing toll of the substance despite public health progress. Adult cigarette smoking dropped from 42% in 1965 to just 11% in 2023, while quit attempts reached a record 62% in 2022.

Despite these gains, many smokers are not taking advantage of low-dose CT scans recommended for lung cancer detection. Only 18% of eligible current or former smokers were up to date on screenings in 2022, even though early detection significantly improves survival rates. The report also notes that lung cancer screening and the use of cessation aids are lowest in Southern states, which carry the highest burden of the disease. The atlas maps national and state-level tobacco use, control efforts, and disparities, showing that racial minorities, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with lower income or education face higher tobacco-related risks. Additional findings indicate that about one-third of tobacco users also use e-cigarettes, and more than 1.6 million youth use flavored e-cigarettes. The report emphasizes the need for strong policies, equitable access to prevention and cessation resources, and continued public health attention to reduce tobacco-related deaths and address persistent disparities.