Key points
Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable disease, disability, and death in the U.S. Quitting smoking can be difficult, but there are proven treatments and strategies to help people quit smoking successfully. This report outlines the latest research on these treatments including counseling (in-person and over the telephone with a quitline) and medications approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Quitting smoking is beneficial at any age.
Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable disease, disability, and death in the U.S. Although the percentage of adults who smoke is at an all-time low in the U.S., 34 million adults still smoke and therefore continue to be at risk of developing smoking-related diseases.
This report makes it clear that one of the most important actions people can take to improve their health is to quit smoking. This is true regardless of their age or how long they've been smoking.
Quitting smoking can be difficult, but there are proven treatments and strategies to help people quit smoking successfully. The report outlines the latest research on these treatments including counseling (in-person and over the telephone with a quitline) and medications approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The report also sheds light on new and emerging opportunities to further promote and support cessation in our country.
We know more about the science of quitting than ever before. Ultimately, the report serves as a call to action to our nation—we can and must do more to ensure that proven cessation treatments are reaching the people who need them.
Consumer guide
This guide provides an easy-to-read overview of the Surgeon General’s report and its findings. It also provides an overview of smoking cessation resources.
Download the guide
Order documents
Order 2020 Surgeon General's Report documents from our Publications Catalog. In the Publications Catalog, type 2020 SGR in the search box.
Infographic
This infographic is useful for social media sharing and inclusion in other promotional activities like media kits, blog posts, newsletter articles/e-blasts, or presentations.
Free Quitting Resources
Telephone
- 1-800-QUIT-NOW
- 1-855-DÉJELO-YA (Español)
- 1-800-838-8917 (中文)
- 1-800-556-5564 (한국어)
- 1-800-778-8440 (Tiếng Việt)
Smartphone Apps and Text
- Text QUITNOW to 333888 (Message and data rates may apply.)
- quitSTART app
Web
Recursos en español
Resumen ejecutivo (Executive Summary)
Guía del consumidor (Consumer Guide)
Principales Conclusiones Hoja Informativa (Key Findings Fact Sheet)
Para la prensa (Press Release)