C. Everett Koop and American Cancer Society Unveil Advertising Campaign

American Cancer Society
Wednesday, 13 May 1998

Washington 1998/05/13 -Former U.S. Surgeon General C. Everett Koop, M.D., and American Cancer Society Chief Executive Officer John R. Seffrin, Ph.D., unveiled the Society's new national advertising campaign. Ads will begin running May 14 across the United States, calling for passage of national tobacco control legislation. The new campaign will encompass television, radio and print advertisements. Dr. Koop is the spokesperson in the advertisements.

"Dr. Koop and the American Cancer Society believe this is a crucial step in this battle. Someone has to tell Congress the truth about national tobacco control legislation. With millions of dollars in advertising being spent on the side of tobacco, we're now going to fight to get our message across to Congress," Seffrin explained.

ACS Chairman of the Board of Directors Jennie R. Cook said, "The tobacco industry is out there telling people tobacco control legislation is about 'big government,' 'big taxes' and 'black market smugglers.' Well, it's not. It's about saving lives--the lives of our kids. We don't want them to die from a life of addiction and disease caused by tobacco."

"Congress has before it right now the opportunity of a lifetime. This Congress can change history, and stop allowing tobacco interests to undermine public health and the safety of our children. It is absolutely time to bring legislation to a vote. Comprehensive national tobacco control must pass, and must pass now," Seffrin added.

For more information, or to contact American Cancer Society, see their website at: www.cancer.org