FAQ

What is SelfMade Health Network?
SelfMade Health Network is a national network of dedicated individuals and communities seeking to eliminate tobacco-related health disparities and promote cancer prevention initiatives in low socioeconomic (SES) populations. We aim to reduce tobacco-related cancers among uninsured working adults, unemployed adults, and other vulnerable populations.
Why do we need SelfMade Health Network?
Smoking cigarettes kills more Americans than alcohol, car accidents, suicide, AIDS, homicide, and illegal drugs combined. In fact, cigarette smoking and secondhand smoke exposure remain the leading cause of preventable disease and premature death in the United States, resulting in approximately 443,000 deaths and $193 billion in direct healthcare expenditures and productivity losses in the United States each year.

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States, with approximately 1.5 million new diagnoses and over 550,000 deaths each year.

Smoking accounts for at least 30% of all cancers and increases the risk of the following cancers: lung, esophageal, laryngeal, oral cavity and pharyngeal, stomach, pancreatic, kidney, bladder, cervical and some leukemias. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in men and women, with tobacco use accounting for 87% of lung cancer in men and 70% in women. (stats courtesy of ACS and CDC)

Quitting smoking and receiving preventative cancer screenings will improve health. (stat by the CDC)

Providing access to evidence-based resources to those that need them will help close the gap in health disparities. SelfMade Health Network puts those resources into the hands of those that need them the most.
How does SelfMade Health Network make a difference?
By collaborating with our sibling networks, partner organizations and members working directly with the affected population, SelfMade Health Network is able to provide evidence-based tobacco cessation tools and connect those with cancer screening and survivorship resources from the ground-level up to close the health disparity gap and inspire SelfMade positive change nationwide.
How do I join SelfMade Health Network?
Those looking to join SelfMade Health Network, can apply here.
How can I quit tobacco?
Congratulations on your decision to become a healthier you! To learn more, visit Quit Smoking Tools.