TOBACCO FREE AMARILLO

December 3, 2001

CONTACT: Mary Coyne, 374-5333
TfreeAmarillo.com

American Cancer Society Launches Toll-Free Quitline to Help Texans Stop Smoking

The American Cancer Society, the leading authority on the dangers of smoking and the wisdom of quitting, has launched the Texas pilot of its quitline service - a toll-free telephone support program offering state-of-the-art smoking cessation counseling and self-help materials. The service - 1-877-YES-QUIT (877-937-7848) - is the latest in a statewide effort to eliminate tobacco-related illness, the single-most preventable cause of disease and death.

"Tobacco use is responsible for one-third of all new cancer cases and nearly 25,000 Texans will die from tobacco-related disease," said Cindy Horton, Executive Director of Cancer Control. "That is why it is critical that the American Cancer Society provide smokers a place to turn that has been scientifically proven to help them quit successfully."

A recent survey of smokers in Texas reveals that, while a large majority of smokers say they intend to quit smoking in the next six months, very few have taken advantage of or are unwilling to undergo individual or group counseling. While self-help materials alone educate smokers on the latest methods of how to quit smoking, research reveals that these messages do not have much effect unless supplemented by professional support. In fact, studies show that smokers using telephone support and self-help advice are twice as likely to attain success.

To counter smokers' reluctance to engage in face-to-face individual or group counseling, the American Cancer Society's quitline is easily accessible, offers caller confidentiality and is free. If successful in Texas, the quitline will be launched nationwide in 2001.

Studies show that patients are more likely to quit smoking when their doctor recommends that they do so. Doctors are encouraged to refer patients to the American Cancer Society's Quitline at 1-877-YES QUIT (877-937-7848).

As part of the Texas pilot, the quitline's clinically trained counselors will first assess each smoker's addiction level and determination to quit and then provide self-help materials and/or techniques to best help the individual.

All callers ready to make a serious quit attempt will be mailed a three-book packet that lends direct advice, real-life examples and skill-building exercises to help smokers progress through the three main steps in quitting: (1) Contemplation, (2) Preparation/Action and (3) Maintenance. Callers also may receive advice on a combination of cessation aids and self-help techniques, including medications (i.e., over-the-counter nicotine replacement therapies or prescription medications), stress reduction techniques (i.e., deep breathing exercises and physical activity) and self-control skills (i.e., avoidance of smoking reminders).

While this service focuses on smokers, the quitline also may be useful for helping other types of tobacco dependence. Support is available for English and Spanish-speaking callers.The American Cancer Society is the nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy and service.