Data from the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund (SCF) indicates that the average age of drivers who leave the road due to an illness or injury is 52. Lung cancer, heart attacks and complications from diabetes consistently rank among the many health-related reasons over-the-road (OTR) drivers are forced to step away from their careers, either temporarily or permanently.
SCF is committed to changing these outcomes through its Driver Wellness programs, which focus on reducing tobacco use, preventing diabetes and helping professional drivers prioritize their long-term health.
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, making it an ideal time for SCF to raise awareness, encourage preventive care and highlight a program designed to support the trucking community: Rigs without Cigs.
Rigs without Cigs: Supporting a tobacco-free future
The Great American Smokeout, observed on the third Thursday of November (that’s Nov. 19 this year), brings individuals and organizations together to encourage people to quit smoking. Lung Cancer Awareness Month also provides an opportunity to increase awareness of lung cancer risk factors, support those affected by the disease and promote steps toward prevention.
Approximately one in 16 people will be diagnosed with lung cancer during their lifetime. Smoking is estimated to cause approximately 90% of lung cancer cases and 80% of lung cancer deaths. Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Although advances in detection and treatment continue to improve outcomes, quitting smoking remains one of the most important steps individuals can take to reduce their risk.
To help address this preventable health risk within the trucking industry, SCF offers Rigs without Cigs, a free, comprehensive tobacco cessation program specifically designed for eligible Class A CDL over-the-road semitruck drivers.
As SCF’s wellness manager and a tobacco treatment specialist certified through MD Anderson Cancer Center, I work individually with participants to understand their unique challenges, develop personalized cessation plans and provide ongoing guidance and encouragement throughout the quitting process.
Weekly check-ins give participants the opportunity to address challenges, establish achievable goals and celebrate their progress toward a tobacco-free life. With the support of program sponsors Habitrol, RoadPro, Grinds and Call on Doc, participants have access to a variety of tobacco-cessation methods and resources to help them succeed.
Small steps, lasting results
The impact of the Rigs without Cigs program is reflected in the experiences of its participants. One individual recently shared, “This program helped save my life.” This sentiment is often echoed by others who have benefited from the program.
Since Rigs without Cigs began, more than 250 participants have successfully quit smoking or using tobacco, another 152 have reduced their tobacco use by half and an additional 100 have received support to remain tobacco-free.
The Great American Smokeout reminds us that quitting tobacco is an investment in long-term health. Through Rigs without Cigs, SCF helps drivers turn that one-day message into lasting change.
Along with taking steps toward a tobacco-free life, drivers should discuss their personal lung cancer risk with a health care provider and ask whether they qualify for lung cancer screening.
To learn more about Rigs without Cigs or to enroll, visit truckersfund.org/healthwellness/rwc.
Julie Dillon serves as the health and wellness Manager at St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund.
Julie enjoys helping people take practical steps toward better health and supporting them along the way. She is a National Board-Certified Health & Wellness Coach, a Therapeutic Nutritional Counselor, and a Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist. When she’s not working with the St. Christopher Fund, you’ll likely find her in the garden or helping care for cattle on her family’s Century Farm in Tennessee.
