PHOENIX — Tobacco use is the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the U.S., according to the American Cancer Society.

To try and help people quit, the society is kicking off its 46th Annual "Great American Smokeout" on Thursday.

The "Great American Smokeout” encourages smokers to use the day to plan to quit or initiate a smoking cessation plan as an important step toward a healthier life and to reduce the risk for cancer," the society said.

The society offered the following tips on how someone can start the path to quitting smoking, including:

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One thing that is best to leave off the table when trying to quit is electronic cigarettes, the society said. E-cigarettes have not been approved by the FDA as aids to quit smoking and the long-term effects of e-cigarettes are not yet known.

The “Great American Smokeoff” is "an opportunity for people who smoke to commit to healthy, smoke-free lives – not just for a day, but year-round," the society said. 

"Smoking remains the single largest preventable cause of death and illness in the world and causes an estimated 480,000 deaths every year in the United States, or about 1 in 5 deaths."

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