CDC Launches 2024 National Tobacco Education Campaign with Focus on Quitting Menthol Cigarettes
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has launched the 2024 version of its federally funded national tobacco education campaign, with a special focus on helping people quit smoking menthol cigarettes. The campaign, known as the CDC’s Tips campaign, aims to increase smoking cessation awareness and intervention in populations with high smoking rates and poorer health outcomes.
Dr. Lama Bazzi, a psychiatrist in private practice in New York City, explained that the campaign relies on testimonials from people in the target communities to make the content relatable and increase the utilization of the free resources provided by the campaign. The CDC’s campaign, which first launched in 2012, features stories and tips from former smokers who successfully kicked the habit.
Cigarette smoking remains the leading cause of preventable disease, disability, and death in the U.S., according to the CDC. While nicotine is psychoactive and can have stimulating, relaxing, and pleasurable effects, it is the chemicals in tobacco that cause cancer, heart disease, and lung disease. Menthol cigarettes, in particular, carry a higher health risk than regular cigarettes. Menthol is an anesthetic that provides a cooling sensation, making it easier to inhale deeply. This interaction with nicotine increases the accumulation of toxins in the lungs, putting menthol smokers at a greater risk of developing tobacco-related diseases.
The CDC’s new campaign features real stories from former smokers who have experienced the harmful effects of smoking. Ethan B., who started smoking at age 10 and later switched to menthol cigarettes, shared his experience of being influenced by tobacco ads that portrayed smoking as cool. Elizabeth B., who started smoking menthol cigarettes at age 18, was later diagnosed with smoking-related peripheral artery disease (PAD). These stories serve as powerful reminders of the dangers of smoking and the importance of quitting.
The CDC provides tips to help individuals quit smoking. The first step is to choose a quit date and remove all cigarettes and smoking-related items from the home, car, and work areas. It is also important to be aware of common triggers that may tempt individuals to smoke and to avoid situations where cigarettes are available, especially during the first few weeks of quitting. Finding alternative activities, such as listening to music or going for a walk, can help distract from cravings. Substitutes like toothpicks, straws, or cinnamon sticks can keep the mouth and hands busy when the urge to smoke arises.
While quitting smoking is not easy, medications can be helpful in reducing the compulsion to smoke. Individuals should speak to their healthcare provider about medications that can aid in quitting, such as nicotine replacement therapy. The CDC recommends a combination of medicines, such as wearing a nicotine patch for steady nicotine delivery and using a nicotine lozenge or gum for fast-acting relief during cravings. Quitting may require several attempts and the right combination of medication, therapy, and counseling.
The CDC’s Tips campaign serves as a valuable resource for individuals looking to quit smoking, particularly those who smoke menthol cigarettes. By sharing real stories and providing practical tips, the campaign aims to increase smoking cessation rates and improve public health outcomes. Quitting smoking is a challenging journey, but with the right support and resources, it is possible to overcome this harmful addiction.
