Tobacco use is the number one cause of lung cancer, as well as the leading cause of all cancer deaths in both the state of Michigan and the United States as a whole.

In 1997, when comprehensive cancer control planning was getting underway in Michigan, youth smoking prevalence was estimated at 35 percent, and the MCC identified reduction of the youth smoking rate as a priority in its statewide comprehensive cancer control plan the next year.

In 2002, MCC member organizations were invited to participate in the development of the broader Tobacco-Free Michigan Five-Year Strategic Plan for Tobacco Use Prevention and Reduction, 2003-2008 (available on the Michigan Department of Community Health Web site as an Adobe Acrobat PDF file*), and youth smoking was once again identified as a priority public health concern.

The Consortium took action, facilitating communication and collaboration with state tobacco control partners to address specific objectives and strategies to promote reduction in youth smoking. Collaboration at the state and local levels resulted in numerous targeted policies, including reducing sales of cigarettes to minors, increasing smoke-free regulations and ordinances in schools and childcare centers, limiting tobacco billboard advertising, and increasing tobacco excise taxes

Impact of These Efforts
In 1997 when the MCC began identifying its initial priorities for cancer control, youth smoking rates were 35 percent, consistent with a national average of 40 percent and well above the Healthy People 2010 target objective of 21 percent.

In a recent review of the MCC cancer control priorities, data indicated that the Michigan youth smoking rate had dropped to 23 percent. As a result of this interim achievement, the MCC has modified its priority goal to exceed the 2010 national target by striving to lower the Michigan youth smoking rate to 16 percent by 2010.

Furthermore, the MCC strategic planning process has been enhanced through integration with the statewide tobacco plan. Plans are underway to coordinate data collection and evaluation activities on a regular basis.

Efforts to promote policies that may impact youth smoking will be facilitated at the state and local level through the existing MCC communications network.

To Learn More
For more information about activities to reduce tobacco use within Michigan, contact Debra Kimball, MSN, RN, of the Michigan Department of Community Health at 517-335-8379 (e-mail: kimballd1@michigan.gov).

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last updated: 07/08/05

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