Smoking Rates Drop Slightly

(November 14, 2008) - The percentage of people who smoke continues to drop, but the rate of decline may be slowing. (Read about "Quit Smoking") An estimated 19.8 percent of U.S. adults (43.4 million people), were smokers last year, down from 20.8 percent in the year before, according to a study in CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. However, based on the current rate of decline, it is unlikely that the national health objective of reducing the prevalence of adult cigarette smoking to 12 percent or lower will be met by 2010.

Smoking causes at least 30 percent of all cancer deaths, including more than 80 percent of lung cancer deaths, and 80 percent of deaths from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. (Read about "Lung Cancer" "Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease") Smoking is responsible for early cardiovascular disease and death. As a result, about half of all long-term smokers, particularly those who began smoking as teens, die prematurely, many in middle age.

"The good news, we continue to see fewer people smoking," said Janet Collins, Ph.D., director of CDC's National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. "The bad news is we need more people to quit. Quitting smoking is the most important step smokers can take to improve their health and protect the health of nonsmoking family members."

Tobacco users who want help in quitting can call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) (TTY 1-800-332-8615) for free telephone-based counseling anywhere in the United States.