Former smokers speak up in graphic CDC video ads
(CBS News) Smokers sometimes have gruesome stories to share, as a lifetime of tobacco use can be damaging to a persons' health. The CDC wants to share those stories. In its largest national anti-smoking effort ever, the CDC launched a campaign of print, radio and TV ads featuring people whose lives have been ruined by smoking cigarettes. The spots will air for at least 12 weeks.
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Although U.S. smoking rates have experienced decades of decline, the rate has stalled at about 20 percent in recent years. Last month, a federal judge blocked proposed graphic warning labels on cigarette packages, saying the images overstepped the bounds of free speech. But these CDC ads are more graphic than any other that have aired nationally. Will the ads be effective at helping the CDC reach it's goal of helping 50,000 smokers quit this year - or do they go too far? Keep clicking to see the ads from the CDC and decide for yourself...
Former smokers speak up in graphic CDC video ads
Terrie, 51, lives in North Carolina and began smoking in high school. At 40, she was diagnosed with throat cancer and had her larynx removed. She continues to battle cancer today.
Former smokers speak up in graphic CDC video ads
Former smokers speak up in graphic CDC video ads
Jessica, 28, lives in New York and has never smoked. Her son, Aden, was diagnosed with asthma at age 3, and exposure to secondhand smoke has triggered asthma attacks.
Former smokers speak up in graphic CDC video ads
Beatrice, 40, lives in New York and began smoking regularly at age 13. A mother of two, she quit smoking in 2010 because she wanted to be around for her family.
Former smokers speak up in graphic CDC video ads
Marie, 62, lives in New York and began smoking in high school. Diagnosed with Buerger's disease in her forties, Marie has undergone amputations of part of her right foot, her left leg, and several fingertips.
Brandon, 31, lives in North Dakota and began smoking at age 15. At 18, he was diagnosed with Buerger's, which resulted in the amputation of both his legs and several fingertips.
Former smokers speak up in graphic CDC video ads
Former smokers Shane, Shawn, Sharon offer tips from their new lifestyles, after being diagnosed with throat cancer.
Former smokers speak up in graphic CDC video ads
Suzy, age 62, lives in New York and began smoking at age 15. At age 57, Suzy suffered a stroke that caused her to have partial paralysis and problems with her speech and eyes.