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The battle against cigarette smoking has been on for a century now and it started with the health agencies created just for that purpose. Examples are the American Cancer Society and the American Lung Association that promotes information campaigns to inform the public about the ill effects of smoking.
Until recently, the evidence linking cigarette and lung cancer was purely statistical, although overwhelming. No had had succeeded in producing lung cancer in laboratory animals by having them ingest smoke. However, lung cancer has been induced in dogs specially trained to inhale cigarette smoke, as reported by the American Cancer Society. Cigarette smoking has also been implicated in other kinds of lung disease, including the often-fatal emphysema, and in cardiovascular diseases. To any sensible person, then, the oppositions would seem clear. If you don’t smoke, don’t start. If you smoke, stop. If you can’t stop, cut down, and, switch to a brand low in tars and nicotine—believed to be the principal harmful agents in cigarette smoke. The establishment of more than 100 voluntary health agencies since the beginning of this century has been a major factor in the growth of health services to the American Public. Similar organizations in different countries around the globe have been established as well. These agencies, whose activities are made possible by donations of time and money from the public, occasionally augmented by government grants for special projects, have the following objectives: spreading information about various diseases to the professional and lay public; sponsoring research; promoting legislation; and operating referral services on the community level to patients in need of diagnosis, treatment, and financial aid. American Cancer Society The American Cancer Society was established in 1913 by a small group of physicians and volunteer workers to inform the public about the possibility of saving lives through the early diagnosis and treatment of cancer. The Society now has 58 incorporated divisions devoted to the control and eradication of cancer. In addition to the physicians, research scientists, and other professional workers engaged in the Society’s activities, more than two million volunteer are connected with its many programs. One of its programs is the campaign to emphasize the link between cigarette smoking and lung cancer. It also sponsors an extensive program to persuade teenagers not to start smoking. During its annual April Crusade against Cancer, the Society distributes approximately 40 million copies of a leaflet containing life-saving information on early detection of lung cancer. American Lung Association The American Lung Association is the direct descendant of the first voluntary health organization to be formed in the United States. In 1904, when the National Association for the Study and Prevention of Tuberculosis was organized, this disease was the country’s leading cause of death. Since 1973, with the sharp increase in the problems related to smoking and air pollution, the association has been known by its present name, which was adopted to reflect the broader scope of its activities. It now concerns itself not only with the elimination of tuberculosis but with chronic and disabling conditions, such as emphysema, and with acute diseases of the respiratory system, such as influenza. Through its 1,500 affiliates and nationwide state organizations, it is actively engaged in campaigns against smoking and air pollution.
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