CDC: Tips from Former Smokers - Sharon A.'s Story

Sharon was diagnosed with throat cancer in her 30s after smoking for many years. She talks about how she never thought smoking would lead to problems at such a young age in this video from CDC’s _Tips From Former Smokers_ ® ( _Tips_ ® ) campaign.


This video can also be viewed at

[Katie-srjc]

Terrie saved my life. Because of her, I quit smoking July 4, 2009. Thank you Terrie. Katie Perez, Bixby, OK

[mmksfe]

I saw this video 12 months ago and i stopped smoking since then ... Thank you my life now is much way better and i am 20 years old i am running swimming and eating healthy now
You saved my life

[CDC]

During her surgery, Sharon’s voice box was removed (called a laryngectomy). A hole (also called a stoma) was placed in her neck to let her breath because her trachea (breathing tube) is no longer connected to her mouth and throat. Sharon uses an electronic voice box (electrolarynx) to speak. The electrolarynx is held against the neck and makes vibrations, which allows her to speak.

[laynejoy]

These are the most effective & influential commercials.

[JessNWlfGNG]

As someone who is on the path to quitting, I highly recommend never starting... You can save your body a lot of trouble. I am blessed in that I have been healthy but if I stay on the path of smoking then I would be doomed.

[GamingGossipTV]

These are the hardest-hitting adverts IMO.

[soulshaker]

I quit for 5 years and then started up again. Trying to quit again. Second time around is harder than the first. I watch videos like these to remind myself why it’s so important to quit.

[taeheonkim]

My body literally froze while watching this video..

[tianastojicevic]

Well if you wanna scare people these days not to smoke, this sure could smoking, I see my parents do it and all I'm thinking is No point should be BANNED.

[crictonites]

I'm obsessed with watching these videos help

[LucyLovettLestrange]

It disgusts me that cigarette factory owners are making millions while other people are dying and being destroyed by cigarettes

[DeadVacum]

In my life, I have smoked one cigarette. I was 15. Never will I ever smoke again. My aunt and uncle used to smoke, until my younger cousins saw a video of Terrie Hall, and it scared the hell outta them, and they pleaded their parents to quit, so they did. Please don’t smoke, you might think it makes you look cool, but is it really cool when you have cancer? No it’s not. Last year, someone in the marching band found out they had testicular cancer, and milked it for the sympathy. Cancer isn’t a joke. It’s not always from smoking, but it’s a contributing factor.

[realmofthemisunderstood]

One time I heard a person using an electrolarnyx and it freaked me out so much!No way in HELL am I EVER going to smoke!

[redjackal]

I had a panic attack when I saw this! 😨

[noob]

that scared the crap out of me cause my sound is not turned up high but i was not expecting her to talk so loud

[aphchanjade]

My mother and grandpa both smoke so I sent these ads to them. I am too young to smoke

[colplayist]

My whole throat hurts after watching this.

[bugnbear]

She doesnt put that in her stoma, its a device that produces special vibrations on her chin/neck to help produce some sound so you can hear/understand her.

[MissSally]

It's so sad and creepy... I wouldn't want to life a life like this.. I would rather die if I'd loose my voice... :( I'll never start to smoke !! NEVER !!

[QueenOfHartz]

Zayn is a smoker, oh my god, i can't imagine how hurt he'd feel if that happened to him. As hard as it is if you smoke you must quit, whether it's by nicorette gum, nicotine patch, or whatever, doing something is better than nothing. If you don't smoke don't even try, please, please don't try, cause it'll be hard to quit once you become addicted to it