If you use tobacco, you likely already know the toll it’s taking on your health, your finances and your overall well-being.
What you might not know is just how harmful it can be:
Smoking leads to disease and disability; it harms nearly every organ of the body.
More than a third of cancer deaths in Tennessee are attributed to smoking.
Life expectancy for smokers is at least 10 years shorter than for nonsmokers.
It’s never too late to quit.
No matter how long you’ve smoked, you can still reap benefits by stopping. That includes lowering your risk for:
12 types of cancer
Heart disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (stopping helps even if you’ve already been diagnosed with either)
Poor reproductive health outcomes
Quitting tobacco will improve your overall well-being and quality of life, and it can help you live longer.
Quitting can be hard, but you don’t have to do it alone. Contact one of the providers below and start now on your path toward freedom from tobacco.
Cigna’s Tobacco Cessation Program can help you quit for good. Participate over the phone, online or both. Call 1-877-459-9896, or visit cigna.com/mnps > Plan Extras.
The American Lung Association offers online resources and support groups at lung.org.
Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW or visit www.tnquitline.org for free coaching and nicotine replacement patches (if eligible). OR text “Quit” to 615-795-0600.
Should you be screened for lung cancer?
Annual screenings are recommended for adults who have no symptoms and:
Are age 50-80 AND
Currently smoke or have quit in the past 15 years AND
Have a 20 pack-year history (i.e., smoked one pack a day for 20 years or two packs a day for 10 years)
If you meet all these criteria, contact your doctor. The screening is available at no cost to you and could be an important first step in protecting your health.*