2000 Surgeon General's Report—Reducing Tobacco Use
Reducing Tobacco Use: A Report of the Surgeon General—Video
News Release
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Video News Release Transcript
MS. SARAH VETTER: Today, nearly one in four adults and one in
three teenagers currently smokes in the U.S. Tragically, tobacco use
continues to be the leading cause of preventable death and illness in our
country.
U.S. SURGEON GENERAL DAVID SATCHER: In 1964, when Surgeon General
Luther Terry released the first-ever report on smoking and health, 43
% of the American people were smokers, almost half. Today, less than
25% of the American people are smokers. So, we have made progress;
we've saved a lot of lives.
But let me assure you that far too many Americans are smoking; almost 50
million Americans today are smokers. And every year, about 450,000 Americans
die from smoking-related diseases.
MS. VETTER: The Surgeon General’s new report provides an in-depth analysis of the effectiveness of various methods to reduce tobacco
use: educational, clinical, regulatory, economic, and comprehensive.
SURGEON GENERAL SATCHER: Comprehensive statewide tobacco control
programs, funded by excise taxes on tobacco products and settlements with
the tobacco industry, have emerged as the model for future efforts to reduce
tobacco use.
MS. VETTER: School-based programs can have a significant impact on
smoking behavior among young people. Educational strategies are most
effective when combined with mass media programs and community-based efforts
involving parents. However, less than 5% of our nation’s schools are
implementing major components recommended in the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention guidelines.
ON-SCREEN GRAPHIC: "Education
"Less than 5% of schools use components."
MS. VETTER: In the clinical setting, physicians need to encourage
effective treatment methods for nicotine addiction, and insurance plans
should provide coverage for these treatments. Economically, experts estimate
that a 10% increase in the price of a pack of cigarettes will reduce
overall consumption by 3 to 5%.
ON-SCREEN GRAPHIC: "Economics
"10% increase in price
"3-5% decrease in consumption."
MS. VETTER: Research indicates that these efforts should be linked
with regulatory approaches, such as ingredient label requirements, more
restrictive policies regarding smoking in public places, and additional
restrictions on tobacco advertising.
In 1998, tobacco companies spent an all-time high of more than $18
million a day in advertising and promotion, despite the overwhelming
evidence of the risks of smoking. In addition, Dr. Satcher hopes to
eliminate health disparities related to tobacco use.
SURGEON GENERAL SATCHER: Tobacco use affects a broad base of
Americans, but it is true that low-income and minority populations tend to
have the highest death rate from tobacco.
MS. VETTER: Dr. Satcher unveiled the report at a news conference
at the 11th World Conference on Tobacco or Health, in Chicago.
SURGEON GENERAL SATCHER: We have the opportunity to save a lot of
lives over the next 10 years if we implement the findings of this report in
terms of strategies for preventing teenagers from beginning to smoke and
strategies for helping people who smoke to quit. That’s the major message:
We have an opportunity to save a lot of lives if we make the commitment and
work together to implement these programs that have proven to be effective.
MS. VETTER: This is Sarah Vetter reporting.
(End of video.)
Disclaimer: Data and findings provided on this page reflect the content of
this particular Surgeon General's Report. More recent information may exist
elsewhere on the Smoking & Tobacco Use Web site (for example, in fact sheets,
frequently asked questions, or other materials that are reviewed on a regular
basis and updated accordingly).
Page last updated August 9, 2000
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