New cancer statistics highlight need for tobacco harm reduction strategies
STOCKHOLM, 26 November – New figures showing there will be almost 300,000 new cancer cases in the UK by 2029 underscore the urgent need for more tobacco harm reduction (THR) measures to help smokers switch to less harmful, smoke-free alternatives, according to international health experts.
The alarming new analysis from Cancer Research UK comes as UK lawmakers consider a tobacco and vapes bill, set for a second reading in Parliament on November 26.
Smoke Free Sweden says the proposed legislation – including restrictions on vape flavours, packaging and displays – could dramatically hinder the UK’s progress at reducing consumption of cancer-causing cigarettes.
Dr. Delon Human, leader of Smoke Free Sweden and a global THR advocate, says: “Alternative, smoke-free nicotine products are at least 95% less harmful than smoking and, for many smokers, they’re the most effective way to quit.
“Nicotine does not cause cancer, yet the proposed restrictions would make it harder for adult smokers to access these less harmful products, which they need to reduce their risk of smoking-related diseases like cancer.”
Studies show that e-cigarettes (mostly flavoured) are more effective in encouraging smokers to quit smoking. By restricting flavours, an unintended consequence of the bill could be the undermining of the acceptability of these smoke-free nicotine alternatives for people who smoke.
Similarly, restricting packaging could reduce awareness of vaping as a much less harmful alternative to smoking, leaving smokers with fewer options and potentially pushing them back to cigarettes.
“Smoke Free Sweden advocates for a balanced approach to tobacco harm reduction – one that allows smokers to access safer alternatives like vaping while still protecting young people from potential risks,” Dr. Human said.
“The rise in cancer cases makes it clear we need to focus on harm reduction, not on restricting access to life-saving alternatives. We must give smokers every opportunity to switch to safer products, not take them away.”
ENDS
About Smoke Free Sweden
Smoke Free Sweden is a campaign which encourages other countries to follow the Swedish model when it comes to Tobacco Harm Reduction. Sweden’s smoke free success can be attributed to its open attitude towards alternative nicotine products.
For more information on Sweden’s successful approach to becoming a smoke free nation, please visit www.smokefreesweden.org.
Contact
Smoke Free Sweden
info@smokefreesweden.org