The Editor-in-Chief responds:
Most smokers we know would like to quit and live longer lives. We know how to help people quit smoking and it doesn't cost much. The funds saved could be applied to preventing other illnesses or perhaps to improving health care for conditions that we don't know how to prevent, such as degenerative hip disease, to mention something of interest to Dr. Harris.
As for the figures, they are widely available. We found them at www.who.org/toh/worldnotobacco99/teaser.htm (last accessed 1999 July 6).
John Hoey, MD