NEW YORK (AP) — The share of U.S. adults who smoke cigarettes fell to another record low last year, with about 1 in 11 adults reporting they currently smoke, according to newly released government survey data.
Smoking remains a major public health concern and is a known risk factor for lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke. It has long been identified as the leading cause of preventable death in the United States.
The preliminary results, released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), are based on responses from more than 24,200 adults. The agency classifies a current cigarette smoker as someone who has smoked at least 100 cigarettes in their lifetime and now smokes either every day or on some days.
In 2024, the share of adult smokers dropped below 10% for the first time, and last year it fell further to 9%, according to the latest survey results.
Meanwhile, the use of electronic cigarettes has gradually increased among adults in recent years, though it remained relatively stable in 2025 at around 7%.
The CDC’s “Tips From Former Smokers” public service announcement campaign has helped more than 1 million Americans quit smoking, according to experts.
“The continued decline in smoking is a monumental public health achievement that has saved millions of lives and billions in healthcare costs,” said Yolonda Richardson, president and CEO of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, a Washington, D.C.-based advocacy and research organization.
Richardson said recent smoking-prevention progress has been undermined by cuts made during President Donald Trump’s administration, which eliminated the CDC’s Office on Smoking and Health as well as its “Tips From Former Smokers” advertising campaign.
She pointed to estimates suggesting the “Tips” campaign alone helped more than 1 million people quit smoking and generated more than $7.3 billion in healthcare savings.
“This critical work must be restored and sustained to continue reducing smoking-related disease, death and healthcare costs nationwide,” Richardson said.
