[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (2000-2001, Book III)]
[December 1, 2000]
[Page 2605]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Statement on a Study on Tobacco Use and Lung and Bronchial Cancer Rates
December 1, 2000

    A new study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and 
the California Department of Health Services demonstrates that over the 
last decade, California's extensive antismoking efforts have resulted in 
dramatic decreases in lung and bronchial cancer rates. These new 
findings remind us that the lives of Americans are at stake, not just in 
California but nationwide, and that comprehensive tobacco prevention and 
education efforts can make a difference.
    More than 400,000 Americans die each year from tobacco-related 
health diseases, and more than 80 percent of them started smoking as 
children. That is why my administration developed a nationwide plan to 
protect our children from the dangers of tobacco, and I have continued 
to call on Congress to affirm the FDA's authority to implement this plan 
and take other steps to ensure that our children have healthy, tobacco-
free futures.
    The tobacco companies spend 10 times more to market their products 
than all 50 States combined are spending on tobacco prevention and 
cessation. California's efforts demonstrate the progress that can be 
made when States use comprehensive tobacco control and prevention 
approaches, as recommended in the Surgeon General's recent report, 
``Reducing Tobacco Use.'' Today I again urge all States to implement 
these effective approaches, because we must all work together to improve 
our Nation's health and save our children's lives.