New research led by American Cancer Society (ACS) researchers has shown the significant impact of tobacco control measures in the United States. A study published in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians revealed that more than 3.8 million lung cancer deaths were averted and over 76 million years of life were gained between 1970 and 2022 due to the reduction in smoking prevalence.
Dr. Farhad Islami, the senior scientific director of cancer disparity research at the American Cancer Society and lead author of the study, emphasized the remarkable effect of progress against smoking in reducing premature mortality from lung cancer. Despite this progress, lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death in the US, with smoking-related morbidity and mortality from other cancers and diseases still posing significant health risks.
Using data from the National Center for Health Statistics mortality records from 1970 to 2022, the researchers calculated the number of averted lung cancer deaths and estimated person-years of life gained. The results showed that 3,856,240 lung cancer deaths were averted, with an average of 19.8 person-years of life gained per averted death.
The study also highlighted that the averted lung cancer deaths accounted for more than half of the overall declines in cancer deaths during the study period. The impact was more significant in men than women and varied by race, with higher proportions of averted deaths in the white population compared to the Black population.
Dr. Islami stressed the importance of continued efforts in tobacco control to save more lives and reduce the burden of smoking-related diseases. He emphasized the need for targeted interventions to reach populations at higher risk of smoking, such as individuals with lower socioeconomic status.
Lisa A. Lacasse, the president of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), called for increased funding for evidence-based tobacco prevention and cessation programs. She highlighted the need for comprehensive strategies, including access to cessation services, higher tobacco taxes, and smoke-free policies, to further reduce tobacco use and prevent the initiation of smoking, especially among youth.
The study’s findings underscore the success of past tobacco control measures but also emphasize the ongoing need to address preventable deaths associated with smoking. The researchers, including Dr. Nigar Nargis, Dr. Qinran Liu, and Dr. Ahmedin Jemal, advocate for a multi-faceted approach to reduce tobacco use and ultimately decrease the cancer burden in the US.
In conclusion, the study reinforces the critical role of tobacco control in saving lives and improving public health outcomes. Continued efforts and investments in evidence-based tobacco control programs are essential to build on past successes and further reduce the devastating impact of smoking-related diseases.
