The CDC estimates that from 2012-2018, the Tips From Former Smokers campaign led to more than 16.4 million Americans trying to quit smoking cigarettes. More than one million have quit for good. Your patients who smoke should be the next to quit.
This federally-funded national mass media tobacco cessation campaign features real people telling stories about serious health issues caused by, associated with, or made worse by tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke, including cancer, COPD, heart disease, diabetes, HIV, mental health conditions, and stroke.
The CDC has developed new ads focused conditions associated with tobacco use.
Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of disease, disability, and death in the U.S. Talking to your patients about tobacco cessation is one of the most important and proven preventive services to improve their health.
Of the estimated 34.2 million smokers in the U.S., about 70% say they would like to quit. However, only 4 to 7 percent succeed in quitting each year.
The CDC says that brief advice from a health care professional significantly increases the odds that a patient is successful in quitting smoking. That’s why you're a vital partner in the Tips From Former Smokers campaign. Research shows that patients are more satisfied with their health care if their family physician offers smoking cessation interventions.
Many of your patients may consider quitting after seeing the Tips From Former Smokers ads in their daily lives. For patients who are ready to quit, your guidance and support are key.
CDC Resources
AAFP Resources