Tobacco cessation: new challenges, new opportunities

Abstract

Throughout the 1990's tobacco use has continued to expand in the developing world, and patterns of use have begun to shift in developed countries. During this same period, our knowledge of effective tobacco cessation methods has dramatically increased. In this paper, we review global trends in tobacco use, and current strategies for tobacco cessation. Evolving work in genetics, pharmacology, counseling, cessation aides, training, systems approaches, and regulation all have the potential to deliver more effective interventions to more tobacco users. Reducing the worldwide tobacco burden will require complementary efforts to reduce initiation and promote cessation. Until effective tobacco cessation methods are widely disseminated and readily available, the tobacco death toll will continue to rise.