Report: Washington falls short in tobacco prevention efforts

Associated Press

SEATTLE — Washington falls short on tobacco prevention efforts to save lives and fight cancer, according to an American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network report. A Progress Report on State Legislative Activity to Reduce Cancer Incidence and Mortality evaluates states in 10 cancer-fighting policies. Washington woefully underfunds tobacco control. In fiscal year 2016, it spent $640,000 on tobacco prevention — 1 percent of the CDC-recommended $63.6 million.

“Tobacco is the leading cause of preventable death, killing 8,300 Washingtonians yearly,” said ACS CAN Washington Grassroots Manager Christopher Friend. “This deadly addiction costs each household $809 in annual tobacco-related health care costs. Let’s combat tobacco, save lives and save Washingtonians money.”

Smoking has declined, but nine out of 10 current smokers start before 18. Youth are turning away from conventional cigarettes, but shifting to e-cigarettes, used by 23 percent of Washington teens.

Despite this, Washington funds tobacco prevention at its lowest level since 1998. As recently as 2009, the state spent $28 million on prevention, but funding was slashed during budget cuts in 2010. Funding comes from tobacco taxes and the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement — billions of dollars of yearly payments from tobacco companies to compensate for costs of tobacco-related illnesses.

“Washington gets $676 million yearly from tobacco taxes and Master Settlement Agreement, but spends less than $1 million preventing future generations from getting hooked on nicotine,” Friend said. “Quitting isn’t easy so we must provide resources to help people be successful, while deterring youth from starting.”

For every $1 states spend to reduce tobacco consumption, tobacco companies spend on average $20 marketing their deadly products. In Washington, it amounts to almost $91 million annually.

Fully funded tobacco control programs decrease tobacco use and tobacco-related illnesses, lowering health care costs. Unless current smoking rates decline, 104,000 Washington children alive today will die prematurely from tobacco.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Olivia Vanni / The Herald 
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County.
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Mukilteo mayor vetoes council-approved sales tax

The tax would have helped pay for transportation infrastructure, but was also set to give Mukilteo the highest sales tax rate in the state.

Marysville Mayor Jon Nehring gives the state of the city address at the Marysville Civic Center on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, in Marysville, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Marysville council approves interim middle housing law

The council passed the regulations to prevent a state model code from taking effect by default. It expects to approve final rules by October.

x
State audit takes issue with Edmonds COVID grant monitoring

The audit report covered 2023 and is the third since 2020 that found similar issues with COVID-19 recovery grant documentation.

Bothell
Bothell man pleads guilty to sexual abuse of Marysville middle schoolers

The man allegedly sexually assaulted three students in exchange for vapes and edibles in 2022. His sentencing is set for Aug. 29.

Larsen talks proposed Medicaid cuts during Compass Health stop in Everett

Compass Health plans to open its new behavioral health center in August. Nearly all of the nonprofit’s patients rely on Medicaid.

Snohomish County Health Department Director Dennis Worsham on Tuesday, June 11, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Snohomish County Health Department director tapped as WA health secretary

Dennis Worsham became the first director of the county health department in January 2023. His last day will be July 3.

Edmonds Police Chief Loi Dawkins speaks after the city council approved her appointment on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Edmonds City Council confirms new police chief

Assistant Chief Loi Dawkins will begin in the role Aug. 1. She has more than 23 years of law enforcement experience, including three years in Edmonds.

Community members gather for the dedication of the Oso Landslide Memorial following the ten-year remembrance of the slide on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the Oso Landslide Memorial in Oso, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
The Daily Herald garners 6 awards from regional journalism competition

The awards recognize the best in journalism from media outlets across Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.

The Edmonds City Council discuss the levy during a city council meeting on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Edmonds votes to place levy lid lift on the ballot

By a vote of 5-2, the council decided to put the $14.5 million property tax levy lid lift to voters in November.

A trash hauler from Republic Services. (Provided photo)
Growing Teamsters strike disrupts garbage pickup in Snohomish County

Republic Services said a temporary work stoppage is causing some customers in the county to experience “temporary service delays.”

Lily Lamoureux stacks Weebly Funko toys in preparation for Funko Friday at Funko Field in Everett on July 12, 2019.  Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Everett-based Funko ousts its CEO after 14 months

The company, known for its toy figures based on pop culture, named Michael Lunsford as its interim CEO.

‘Courageous’ teen dives into Silver Lake to rescue 11-year-old

Gauge Bryant, 13, brought the child to the surface. The 11-year-old is in stable but critical condition, authorities said.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.