A report released by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network on Wednesday has revealed that, despite the fact that huge amounts of fund are being received by the States from tobacco taxes and the 1998 state tobacco settlement; many States have pulled down the funds invested into tobacco prevention programs by over 15%.

"Fully funded tobacco prevention and cessation programs stop addiction before it starts, and improve the health of our nation's communities. States must do better at funding programs that help reduce tobacco use and protect the health of children, 3,500 of whom try their first cigarette every day", said Chief Executive Officer of ACSCAN,  John R. Seffrin.

Other agencies involved with the compiling of the report, entitled "A Broken Promise to Our Children: The 1998 State Tobacco Settlement 11 Years Later" are the American Heart Association, the American Lung Association and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

As per the report, a total of 34 American States and the District of Columbia have slashed funds offered for such programs during this year alone. The biggest pull down was recorded by New York which cut a whopping 31%, or $25.2 Million.

North Dakota has emerged as the only State this year which has been keeping the funds injected in programs for tobacco prevention steady and at a good, agreeable level.