![La. Among Nation’s Leaders In Smoking, Cancer Deaths](http://townsquare.media/site/29/files/2016/06/GettyImages-527876322.jpg?w=630&h=420&zc=1&s=0&a=t&q=89&w=980&q=75)
La. Among Nation’s Leaders In Smoking, Cancer Deaths
Fifty-two years ago, the surgeon general issued a report linking tobacco use to cancer. More than 42% of Americans were smokers at the time. That figure is now at just over 18%, according to a report from USA Today. Louisiana's smoking rate is among the highest in the country. Nearly one in four (24%) Louisiana residents is a smoker. That ranks the Bayou State at number five. We have the 4th highest rate of cancer deaths, per capita in the US. Our state cigarette tax is $1.08 per pack, the country's 19th lowest. West Virginia has the nation's highest percentage of smokers at nearly 27%, followed by Kentucky, Arkansas, and Tennessee. Don't blame me when your health insurance goes up next year.
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