Eletters

Topic:

What is the price (economic value) of quitting?

William R. Hazzard | william.hazzard@med.va.gov

University of Washington & VA Puget Sound Health Care System

Missing from the review was whether the economic benefit of quitting smoking for the 24 year-olds was calculated and included in the analysis and its interpretation. Since many if not most such young smokers will abandon their habit at various ages along the way, this is critical information upon which to rationalize the economic benefits (critically to include those of their family members in the "quasi" category)of quitting and programs and policies in support of this change in behavior. Is this information contained in the book? If not, why not? If so, what can the reviewers add to their commentary in this crucial area?