WEDNESDAY, Sept. 15 (HealthDay News) -- Proven smoking cessation
treatments save money as well as lives, according to a new
study.
Pennsylvania State University researchers calculated that for
every dollar spent on helping smokers quit, states would see a
$1.26 return in reduced medical costs, increased productivity and
reduced absenteeism in the workplace, and fewer premature deaths
due to smoking.
For their nationwide cost-benefit analysis, the researchers
compared the costs to society of smoking with the economic benefits
of states providing coverage for people who want to quit
smoking.
The findings provide states with compelling economic reasons why
they should help smokers kick the habit, the American Lung
Association explained in the study released Wednesday.
Pfizer, Inc., the maker of the smoking cessation aid Chantix,
provided funding for the research.
More information
The American Cancer Society offers a
guide to quitting smoking.