Smoking Down for First Time in Years!

Here's one number you won't be upset to hear is down: the number of adult cigarette smokers in the U.S. has declined for the first time in 4 years, according to a report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Adult tobacco user prevalence is now under 20 percent for the first time since tobacco use rates began to fall during the mid-1960s. The findings were based on data from the 2007 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) and published in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR).

"These data tell us we have made exceptional progress in the effort to reduce and eventually eliminate the death, disease, and economic challenges that tobacco use brings on its users," said Thomas J. Glynn, PhD, American Cancer Society's director of cancer science and trends and international cancer control.

There are many possible reasons for the decline. In addition to the economic recession, tougher legislation and higher prices for cigarettes are more reason smoking has become less attractive.

However, it's not all good news. The report showed that significant disparities continue to persist by race and education level. American Indian and Alaska Natives continue to smoke in higher numbers, as do people with GEDs and those below the poverty level.

Cigarette smoking accounts for at least 30% of all cancer deaths, and it's a major cause of heart disease, emphysema, and stroke. To learn more, visit the American Cancer Society website. Looking for help quitting right now? Contact the American Cancer Society (1-800-ACS-2345) for support.