We know that smoking is still responsible for over one-third of all cancer deaths and that the findings of these research projects will provide important insight into how we can reduce the burden of disease and death from cancer caused by tobacco. State-wide programs to reduce tobacco use have combined multiple approaches in order to have the greatest impact on smoking rates. These programs emphasize mass media campaigns and policy interventions. Many more states are now planning similar investments in tobacco control programs, or are contemplating how to allocate settlement funds. This research initiative was established to provide critical information about the separate and combined effects of these interventions.
Tobacco use is the single most preventable cause of death in the United States.
Therefore, programs designed to reduce tobacco use among both children and adults are an important aspect of NCI's overall cancer prevention and control efforts. P.H., director of NCI's Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences. In particular, the grants emphasize communication and policy-oriented studies. Policy-makers will rightly demand that public funds be spent wisely on effective interventions to reduce and prevent tobacco use. Findings from these research grants will be extremely useful in guiding the future of state and community-based tobacco control interventions.