Reducing Tobacco Use: A Report of the Surgeon General — Video News Release

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Video News Release Transcript

Transcript of VNR on Reducing Tobacco Use: A Report of the Surgeon General (2000)

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 percent of the American people were smokers, almost half. Today, less than 25 percent 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 percent 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 percent 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 percent increase in the price of a pack of cigarettes will reduce overall consumption by 3 to 5 percent.

ON-SCREEN GRAPHIC: "Economics

"10 percent increase in price

"3-5 percent 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.)

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