Community members are encouraged to commit or recommit to healthy, smoke-free lives by participating in the American Cancer Society’s 43rd annual Great American Smokeout event on Nov. 15.

Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States, accounting for 29 percent of all cancer deaths. In fact, smoking cigarettes kills more Americans than alcohol, car accidents, HIV, guns, and illegal drugs do combined.

Smoking not only causes cancer, but it also damages nearly every organ in the body, including the lungs, heart, blood vessels, reproductive organs, mouth, skin, eyes and bones.

Addiction to the nicotine in cigarettes is one of the strongest and most deadly addictions one
can have.

Each year, approximately 20 million American smokers try to quit, representing more than half of the 37.8 million smokers in the U.S. Only 7 percent succeed. An even greater percentage of smokers (68 percent) report being interested in quitting.

Quitting is hard. It takes commitment, and starts with a plan.

Getting help through counseling and/or prescription medications can triple your chances of quitting successfully.

Support is also essential. Smoking cessation programs, like the California Smokers Helpline (1-800-NOBUTTS), the American Cancer Society’s Freshstart program, Nicotine Anonymous meetings, self-help materials such as books and pamphlets, and smoking counselors or coaches can be of great help.

The American Cancer Society is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to provide support as you make your plan to quit. More information is available at www.cancer.org/Smokeout or by calling 1-800-227-2345.