A new report from U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy reveals alarming disparities in tobacco use and related health outcomes across various demographic groups in the United States. Despite overall progress in reducing cigarette smoking, the report finds that certain populations continue to bear a disproportionate burden of tobacco-related disease and death.
American Indian and Alaska Native adults show the highest prevalence of smoking among racial and ethnic groups. The report also notes that individuals living in poverty are more than twice as likely to smoke compared to those not in poverty. Other groups with higher smoking rates include adults with lower education levels, those identifying as gay, lesbian, or bisexual, and people living with mental health conditions or substance use disorders.
These disparities extend to health outcomes, with Black men experiencing the highest lung cancer incidence and death rates among all racial and ethnic groups. American Indian and Alaska Native adults face the highest prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Multiple factors contribute to these inequities, including targeted marketing by the tobacco industry in minority neighborhoods and the promotion of flavored products, particularly menthol, which can make quitting more challenging. Social determinants of health, such as poverty, racism, and limited access to healthcare, also play significant roles.
Dr. Murthy calls for comprehensive action to address these disparities, emphasizing the need to reduce the appeal and availability of tobacco products, implement proven strategies to decrease tobacco use, and tackle underlying social and economic factors. The report serves as a stark reminder that progress in tobacco control must be equitable to truly improve public health for all Americans.
See “U.S. Surgeon General Releases New Report: Eliminating Tobacco-Related Disease and Death, Addressing Health Disparities” (November 19, 2024)
