Great American Smokeout

Every year on the third Thursday of November, the American Cancer Society encourages smokers to use the day as a milestone to begin the journey toward quitting with the observance known as the Great American Smokeout. The idea is not necessarily to quit forever on that single day, but to make the day a meaningful “Day One” of stopping tobacco use, or at least initiating a quit-plan and support system.

History of Great American Smokeout

The event’s roots date back to smaller local initiatives: in 1970, in Randolph, Massachusetts, an idea was floated to skip smoking for a day and donate the savings to a cause. In 1976, the California division of the American Cancer Society succeeded in having nearly one million people quit smoking for a day on November 18. By 1977 the event went national, and since then it has become a consistent annual awareness and quit-smoking campaign held each year on the third Thursday of November. ¹

Why is Great American Smokeout important?

Tobacco use remains the leading preventable cause of disease and premature death, including many cancers, heart and lung conditions. The Smokeout serves as a powerful prompt and reminder that even quitting for one day can be a meaningful step toward longer-term cessation. It also reinforces that smokers are not alone—many others are mobilizing, communities are offering support, and resources are available to help them quit. This communal push helps shift both personal habits and broader social norms around tobacco.

• It highlights the health risks associated with smoking and tobacco use.
• It promotes quitting or cutting back as a tangible positive step.
• It raises awareness of resources and support systems for cessation.
• It contributes to shifting social norms and smoke-free policies.
• It serves as a rallying point for community action and personal commitment.

How to Celebrate Great American Smokeout

Celebrate, or rather observe, the Great American Smokeout by using the day to either quit smoking or take a deliberate step toward stopping—such as setting a quit date, reducing the number of cigarettes, seeking counseling, or using a quit-program. If you’re already a non-smoker, you can support others by offering encouragement, sharing resources, or participating in local events. Emotionally, the day can be a moment of recognizing the challenge of nicotine dependence and the value of choosing health and self-care, and of showing solidarity with those trying to quit.

• Make a concrete plan: pick a quit date, inform friends/family, and get committed.
• Remove tobacco products and triggers from your environment.
• Cheer on or support a friend or loved one who is attempting to quit.
• Access counseling or quit-support services (telephone hotlines, online programs).
• Share your story or motivation on social media to raise awareness (#GreatAmericanSmokeout).

Great American Smokeout Dates Table

1. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/tobacco/great-american-smokeout.html[↩]