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Some of the people featured in the _Tips_ _From_ _Former_ _Smokers_ ® ( _Tips_ ® ) campaign used to think cigarettes were their “best friend.” In this ad, they talk about needing a better friend . This video can also be viewed at https://www.cdc.gov/wcms/video/low-res/tobacco/2024/55tips-2024-PSA-montage-best-friend-URL-high-res.mp4 source

Angie P. started smoking menthol cigarettes at age 15. Over time, she became aware of the tobacco industry’s aggressive advertising of cigarettes, including menthol cigarettes. Angie feels that tobacco companies took advantage of her as someone who is gay and African American. In this _Tips_ _From_ _Former_ _Smokers_ ® ( _Tips_ ® ) ad, she […]

Felicita R. started smoking at age 12 and smoked for more than 30 years. When she was young, she thought smoking made her look cool. She was diagnosed with severe gum disease at age 50 and had to have all of her teeth removed. In this Spanish language video, Felicita talks about her mission to […]

Felicita R. has severe gum disease caused by smoking, and she had to have all of her teeth removed. In this ad, in Felicita’s native Spanish language, she urges people who smoke to quit now. This video can also be viewed at https://www.cdc.gov/wcms/video/low-res/tobacco/2025/32923292tips-2025-felicita-r-dejelo-tip-URL-15-high-res.mp4 source

Tammy W. smoked menthol cigarettes. She grew up with a large extended family, many of whom smoked. She also remembers seeing ads on billboards and in magazines that promoted cigarettes. At age 44, Tammy learned she had severe heart disease and needed open-heart surgery. In this video, she encourages people who smoke to quit today. […]

Tammy W. hid her smoking from everyone. In this ad, Tammy’s tip is, when you are having open-heart surgery, you cannot hide the damage caused by smoking. Everyone can see it. This video can also be viewed at https://www.cdc.gov/wcms/video/low-res/tobacco/2025/655655tips-2025-tammy-w-everyone-can-see-it-tip-heart-URL-30-high-res.mp4 source

Tammy W. thought menthol cigarettes were “healthier.” In this ad, Tammy shares that menthol cigarettes are just as good at causing heart disease as any cigarette. This video can also be viewed at https://www.cdc.gov/wcms/video/low-res/tobacco/2025/10711071tips-2025-tammy-w-dirty-secret-tip-URL-15-high-res.mp4 source

Fred W. had throat cancer from smoking cigarettes. He had to give up activities he cherished, such as playing his favorite musical instrument, the saxophone. Fred also had to give up things like spending time at the beach. In this video, he talks about the things he misses because of smoking-related disease. This video can […]

Fred W. was diagnosed with throat cancer from smoking when his kids were very young. He now speaks with the help of a laryngeal implant. Fred still wanted to do all the same activities with his kids that his dad did with him, like fishing. But, he has not figured out how to have a […]

Fred W. was diagnosed with throat cancer from smoking. He had to give up activities he cherished, such as playing his favorite musical instrument, the saxophone. In this video, he talks about the things he had to give up because of smoking-related disease. This video can also be viewed at https://www.cdc.gov/wcms/video/low-res/tobacco/2025/17351735tips-2025-fred-w-facing-the-music-vignette-high-res.mp4 source

Fred W. was diagnosed with throat cancer from smoking. He had surgery to remove the cancer. He now has a stoma (a surgically created opening) in his throat that allows him to breathe and a laryngeal implant that allows him to speak. If you think cigarettes are expensive, here is Fred’s tip – after treatment […]

Felicita R. smoked for more than 30 years. She was diagnosed with severe gum disease and had to have all of her teeth removed. She was fitted for dentures and now typically eats only soft foods. Felicita’s tip is you might think quitting smoking feels like pulling teeth but it’s not even close. This video […]

Felicita R. started smoking at age 12 and smoked for more than 30 years. When she was young, she thought smoking made her look cool. She was diagnosed with severe gum disease at age 50 and had to have all of her teeth removed. In this video, Felicita talks about her mission to help friends […]

Elizabeth thought smoking menthol cigarettes made her look sophisticated. At age 52, she learned she had smoking-related peripheral artery disease (PAD) and had major surgery to restore blood flow to her legs. In this ad, Elizabeth shares her tip, which is that smoking could give you PAD – as she says, “That’s a sophisticated way […]

Elizabeth B. smoked and learned from her doctor that she had smoking-related peripheral artery disease (PAD). Elizabeth also developed kidney cancer. Elizabeth’s tip is, quit now. The sooner you quit, the better. This video can also be viewed at https://www.cdc.gov/wcms/video/low-res/tobacco/2025/36273627tips-2025-elizabeth-b-done-with-smoking-tip-URL-30-high-res.mp4 source

Anne G. grew up around a lot of smoking. She started smoking at age 15 and smoked for more than 10 years. Quitting smoking was the hardest and best thing she ever did. In this video, Anne talks about the many ways her life improved after she quit smoking. This video can also be viewed […]

Anne G. started smoking at age 15 and smoked for more than 10 years. She met the love of her life three years after she quit smoking. They got married and now they have a young daughter. Anne’s tip is, building a healthy future for you and your family starts with leaving smoking in the […]

Andy A. was diagnosed with throat cancer from smoking. This began his complex treatment and recovery journey, including three surgeries to remove the cancer, using muscle and skin from his legs to rebuild his throat. Andy now speaks with the help of an electrolarynx. He also needs full-time care from his wife, Debra B. In […]

Andy A. and Debra B. enjoyed a wonderful life together — going out to eat, singing karaoke, and having family over to their house. Their lives changed after Andy learned he had throat cancer from smoking. Debra had to close her business to focus on taking care of him. In this video, Andy and Debra […]

Anne G. used to smoke when she felt sad or down. Since quitting, Anne says she feels much happier. Quitting inspired Anne to improve her life in many ways, including eating healthier and exercising. She also found new activities, like yoga, working out, and taking walks with her dog. Anne’s tip is, there is life […]