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ACS holds 35th annual Great American Smokeout

By Staff Writer

Approximately 87 percent of lung cancer deaths are a direct result of cigarettes, according to Smoking Statistics, an nicotine addiction resource website. Substance abuse treatment centers can help individuals stop smoking, and the American Cancer Society (ACS) has given people another reason to kick the habit.

The 35th annual Great American Smokeout is being held by the ACS to raise awareness of the dangers of smoking, which include cancer, according to U.S. News and World Report. More than 46 million are currently smokers. Although the number of cigarette users decreased between 1980 and 2009, more individuals are lighting up later in life. The purpose of the Great American Smokeout is to provide cigarette addicts with the support they need to finally call it quits.

Bonfires, parades and rallies are being held in cities across the country in honor of the event. Volunteers have been helping to spread the word on the negative effects of smoking, alongside the ACS, to encourage people to make healthier decisions.

A recent survey by the Cancer Council found that anti-smoking ads have saved approximately 60,000 lives, according to Info Research Lab, a statistics website. Keeping the detrimental effects of smoking in the limelight may encourage more nicotine addicts to seek help at substance abuse treatment centers.