[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 20]
[Senate]
[Page 27067]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      THE GREAT AMERICAN SMOKEOUT

  Mr. SANTORUM. Mr. President, I would like to take a moment to 
acknowledge an important event that is taking place today in 
Philadelphia, PA and across the Nation--the 29th Annual American Cancer 
Society Great American Smokeout.
  We are all aware that cancer is one of the greatest healthcare risks 
facing Americans today. For years, this disease has taken the lives of 
our families, our friends, and our neighbors. As a member of the 
bipartisan Senate Cancer Coalition, I certainly understand that there 
are few things that would have a greater impact on the quality of life, 
for millions throughout the world, than the eradication of this 
terrible disease.
  Unfortunately, we are also all aware of the fact that we have not yet 
found a cure. And while scientists and researchers around the world 
work feverishly towards this lofty aspiration, the most important 
action we can take is the promotion of cancer prevention. The Great 
American Smokeout is a wonderful example of a successful program aimed 
at assisting those at great risk of developing cancer to change their 
ways. This annual event has, undoubtedly, saved lives.
  Since the inaugural Great American Smokeout took place in 1976, this 
initiative has provided a powerful platform for the American Cancer 
Society to encourage Americans to stop smoking. This event, which urges 
Americans who take the unnecessary health risks associated with the use 
of tobacco products to band together and make a lifestyle change, is 
one of the most recognized awareness initiatives in the history of the 
American Cancer Society--and rightfully so. Rarely does any 
organization touch so many with its message in a single day as the 
American Cancer Society during the smokeout. And rarely is the 
intention of the message as important as reducing the number of 
Americans who use tobacco products.
  I am also pleased that the American Cancer Society has chosen my home 
State to host this year's smokeout. Pennsylvania has a long history of 
working with the American Cancer Society, and in 2002, together with 
the Pennsylvania Department of Health, they established the 
Pennsylvania Free Quitline. This toll-free service, available 24 hours 
a day, 7 days a week, provides advice and counseling to those 
attempting to quit smoking. Studies have shown that smokers who take 
advantage of such services are twice as likely to successfully quit 
smoking. By choosing Pennsylvania as the host for one of their most 
important events, the society is reaffirming its commitment to 
decreasing the prevalence of tobacco use in my state--and, in turn, 
improving the health of all Pennsylvanians.
  Mr. President, these types of efforts have helped the American Cancer 
Society develop a reputation as one of the most influential and 
effective participants in the fight to better the health of every 
American. The Great American Smokeout is a vital event put on by a 
truly impressive organization, and I thank the American Cancer Society 
for its leadership.

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