Freda Lewis-Hall, M.D., Pfizer's executive vice president and chief medical officer, today issued a statement regarding the 50th Anniversary of the First Surgeon General's Report on Smoking and Health.

"Fifty years ago, the United States Surgeon General issued a report that increased the public's understanding of the severe health risks of smoking. I'm pleased that the Surgeon General's report brought the health risks of smoking to light and has helped create a major public health effort on the part of governments, healthcare providers, legislators and advocates, and that the Surgeon General and many others continue to support this effort today.

"Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death worldwide. The World Health Organization estimates that tobacco use is the cause of death of up to 6 million people every year, of whom more than 5 million are direct tobacco users and more than 600,000 are nonsmokers exposed to second-hand smoke.

"One of the best ways to prevent serious health problems such as cardiovascular disease and cancer is to live tobacco-free. Pfizer is determined to help solve the global tobacco epidemic by supporting comprehensive tobacco control measures to help prevent the development of future generations of smokers, and encourage smokers to quit smoking."

Media:
Jennifer Kokell, 212-733-2596