An estimated 5,100 Iowans die from tobacco-related illnesses annually — 1,770 from lung cancer alone, which are reasons why the fight against big tobacco continues strong in the state. Every year since 1976, the third Thursday in November marks the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout, a day when smokers are encouraged to put down all tobacco products and formulate a plan to quit tobacco for good. By quitting — even for one day — smokers will be taking an important step toward a healthier life and reducing their cancer risk.

Ted Hugghins, president of Abstract Associates of Iowa Inc. and a Fort Dodge resident, began his smoking habit as a high school freshman in 1965. He was smoking two packs or more every day and admits that he thought smoking was fun and enjoyable.

“Generally people are smart and understand cigarettes are not good for us and they destroy lives,” Hugghins said. “I had tied smoking to my social visits and activities, my coffee drinking, eating, driving and even an excuse to relax. Cigarettes were more important than my family, my health, my friends, co-workers and cleanliness. My family had asked me to consider to stop smoking, but I knew that I had to do this for myself, no one else.”

About 40 million Americans still smoke cigarettes and tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the world. Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death for men and women in Iowa. Smoking kills people — there’s no “safe” way to smoke tobacco.Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death for both men and women in Iowa and accounts for at least 30 percent of all cancer deaths in the U.S. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that the annual health care costs in Iowa directly related to smoking totals $1.2 billion.

“When I decided to quit smoking, I began to focus on choosing the benefits of stopping smoking,” Hugghins said, “such as clean smelling clothes, car and home versus the consequences of offensive odor, burned holes in car seats, filthy ash trays, and the high cost of cleaning my clothes. I worked at retraining my mind with the help of a professional smoking cessation class. After three weeks, I began to get comfortable with the discomfort of choosing the benefits of not smoking over consequences of smoking. My healthy actions began dropping into my subconscious mind and I became an ex-smoker April 21, 1984, after 19 years of smoking.”

The American Cancer Society Great American Smokeout on Thursday is the perfect opportunity to quit smoking. No matter how old you are or how long you’ve smoked, quitting can help you live longer and be healthier. By quitting, you can add up to 10 years to your life. Having a set quit date allows you to create a plan for what to do when you actually quit, including how you’ll handle dealing with withdrawal and staying quit (maintenance).

“I began feeling healthy within 72 hours of stopping” Hugghins said. “My cough subsided. My energy level was increasing and I wasn’t so tired. My sense of smell and taste came back. Food taste began changing for the better. Breathing became not as labored. Skin texture began changing as blood flow was enhanced. The smell of my clothes, car and home have been smoke free. I have now participated in 18 RAGBRAI events. I enjoy the fellowship, exercise and camaraderie of cycling and have added kayaking to my outdoor activities.”

Quitting smoking has immediate and long-term benefits at any age. Quitting is hard, but you can increase your chances of success with help. Getting help through counseling or medications can double or triple the chances of quitting successfully.

“You must decide to do something good for yourself,” Hugghins said. “You cannot improve your self-esteem or quit smoking for someone else. Smoking is an addiction, but with help and support, you can clean up and improve your life. I encourage smokers to pick a day, join a smoking cessation program, consult a physician and find support. Stopping smoking can be done alone, but with support, your chances of success are much greater. The guidance and support of professionals creates a path to success and changes lives for a lifetime.”

The American Cancer Society is here to help all cancer patients, including lung cancer patients, get the help they need when they need it. Last year alone we assisted more than a million people who called us for help, providing free services like a place to stay while traveling for treatment, rides to treatment, emotional support, and much more. Mark your calendar for the American Cancer Society Great American Smokeout on Thursday — the day to make a plan to quit smoking for good.

About the American Cancer Society:

The American Cancer Society is a global grassroots force of 2 million volunteers saving lives in every community. As the largest voluntary health organization, the Society’s efforts have contributed to a 23 percent decline in cancer death rates in the U.S. since 1991, and a 50 percent drop in smoking rates. We’re finding cures as the nation’s largest private, not-for-profit investor in cancer research, ensuring people facing cancer have the help they need and continuing the fight for access to quality health care, lifesaving screenings and more. For more information, to get help, or to join the fight, call us anytime, day or night, at (800) 227-2345 or visit cancer.org.

Liddy Hora is the Health System Manager for the American Cancer Society. You can contact Liddy at liddy.hora@cancer.org for information and opportunities to volunteer.