DPH Encourages South Carolinians to Quit Smoking During Lung Cancer Awareness Month

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Nov. 12, 2026

COLUMBIA, S.C. – In observance of Lung Cancer Awareness Month in November and the Great American Smokeout (GASO) on Nov. 19, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is encouraging residents to quit smoking to better protect their lungs and/or improve their chance of lung cancer survivorship.  

In 2024 in South Carolina, 3,275 residents were diagnosed with lung cancer. Cigarette smoking is the No. 1 risk factor for lung cancer, with people who smoke cigarettes being 15 to 30 times more likely to get lung cancer or die from lung cancer than people who do not smoke, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In addition, people with cancer who smoke run the risk of developing new cancers and/or decreasing the effectiveness of their cancer treatment.

“Quitting smoking is essential to preventing 12 different types of cancer and to improving cancer treatment outcomes,” said Hallie Heffner, DPH Cancer Prevention Coordinator. “Lung Cancer Awareness Month in November is a great time to schedule a free lung cancer screening and stop exposing yourself to toxic chemicals and known carcinogens found in tobacco/nicotine products.”

Observed annually on the third Thursday of November, the Great American Smokeout encourages people who use tobacco/nicotine products to quit or to make a plan to quit. If you aren’t ready to quit just yet, the observance is an opportunity to practice a 24-hour “mini quit” and create a plan to quit for good.

"Quitting smoking is more than just breaking a habit; it’s about choosing a healthier future,” said Dr. Katy Wynne, DPH tobacco cessation manager. “The Great American Smokeout is an opportunity to take that first step forward with thousands of people across the country. South Carolina has free resources available to help you make a plan and stick to it.”

The SC Tobacco Quitline (1-800-QUIT-NOW) provides free, 24/7 quit support to all residents of South Carolina, regardless of health insurance coverage. Callers receive personalized quit support designed to double their chance of quitting successfully. Free nicotine replacement therapy products such as patches, gum and lozenges are available to people ages 18 and up (if appropriate). Services can be accessed in multiple languages and extra support is available for people with mental and/or behavioral health conditions and for pregnant women.

To learn more about the SC Tobacco Quitline and available services, visit quitnowsc.org. To enroll now, call 1-800-QUIT-NOW, visit quitforlife.com/southcarolina or text 'READY' to 21586.

Quitting tobacco products does not always work the first time around. Be patient with yourself and don’t give up. Every try counts!

Additionally, National Lung Cancer Screening Day is Nov. 14. The annual observance encourages screening centers across the country to expand access to lifesaving lung cancer screening by offering appointments on a Saturday, making it easier for people who cannot take time off during the workweek to get screened. Visit the Lung Cancer Screening Day website for participating sites in South Carolina.

For more information and free quit support options, visit DPH’s lung cancer and tobacco cessation webpages.

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