This issue brief addresses major state spending initiatives for 2001 tobacco settlement monies. All Americans are at risk of developing tobacco-related diseases. In recent years, Governors have renewed their commitment to reducing disease and death from tobacco use. Many states have bolstered current tobacco prevention and control programs, while others have created new and innovative approaches with their share of the 1998 tobacco settlement agreement. Governors recognize the need to communicate and share information on strategies that work.
Tobacco use is the most preventable cause of death and disease in the United States.
Most people start using tobacco around age 16, and 80 percent of current smokers began before 18 years old. According to a 1991 study by Shopland, et al, 30.5 percent of all cancer deaths are attributable to cigarette smoking. For data on smoking-caused total health, Medicare and Medicaid costs, see Xiulan Zhang et al. This project was made possible with support from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Related Documents Reports, issue briefs, meeting summaries, and other online documents.