Participants of Penn State's "Survivor" challenge will not strive to win $1 million. But they will prevent their health from going up in smoke.

"Who Wants to Be a Survivor Quit and Win Challenge," a new program sponsored by University Health Services and the Undergraduate Student Government, aims to help students improve and eventually quit tobacco habits.

More than 47 million Americans — 25 million men and 22 million women — light a cigarette daily. Everyday about 6,000 kids under the age of 18 try their first cigarette, and 3,000 become daily smokers, said an American Cancer Society representative.

When a person stops smoking, their body reacts to the broken habit almost immediately after the last cigarette is smoked. After 15 years off of cigarettes, the risk of death for ex-smokers returns to nearly the same level as people who have never smoked, said Destiny Myers, manager of lung health for the American Lung Association in State College.

"For smokers, the body is physically addicted to nicotine. It can be as addictive as cocaine and heroin," Myers said, "Quitting is a lifestyle change."

About 87 percent of lung cancer deaths and about 30 percent of all cancer deaths can be attributed to smoking, according to the American Cancer Society Web site.

"Lung cancer is on the rise for women. Lung cancer is more prevalent to women than breast cancer is," Myers said.

The program includes a test to determine students' current carbon monoxide level from smoking. Students will take the test again at the end of the challenge to see if they reduced cigarette use, said Pam Koons, marketing manager with University Health Services.

During the challenge, participants will receive "survivor packs" consisting of candy, tips and coupons to keep hands and minds busy and away from cigarettes, Koons said.

The program also will provide a support team of trained "lifeline" coaches who will provide extra support throughout the month with phone calls and advice. Positions are now open to any student who wishes to become a "lifeline" coach.

The program is open to all students, and there is no fee. Registration will run from Jan. 15 to 28. The challenge will begin Feb. 1 and will continue through the end of the month.

More information about the challenge can be acquired by visiting the "Who Wants to Be a Survivor" Web site.

For those who want to quit smoking, the American Lung Association provides another option around State College.

The American Lung Association is sponsoring a behavioral and lifestyle clinic at the Centre Community Hospital beginning Jan. 29 for local area smokers who wish to change their habits and lifestyles, Myers, of the American Lung Association, said.