Prevention Matters

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force reaffirmed its 2003 recommendation that clinicians ask all adults about their tobacco use and provide cessation interventions for those who use tobacco products. The Task Force also recommended that all pregnant women who use tobacco be provided pregnancy-tailored counseling. These reaffirmations, which were published in the April 21 issue of Annals of Internal Medicine, are based on information found in the 2008 Update of the Public Health Service Clinical Practice Guidelines.

The US Preventive Services Task Force is the leading independent panel of experts in prevention and primary care. Copies of the recommendations are available at http://ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf/uspstbac2.htm.

Diane M. Canova
Managing Senior Fellow