Cigarette smoking is the primary cause of major health concerns such as cancer. According to the World Health Organization, the use of tobacco accounts for 25% of all cancer deaths around the globe. The National Institutes of Health notes that inhaling dangerous chemicals and carcinogens found in cigarettes can damage a cell’s DNA and lead to the formation of cancerous tumours. This link between cigarette smoking and the development of cancer has necessitated quit-smoking efforts to avoid health complications.
A Medical News Today article reported that those who entirely quit smoking lowered their overall risk of cancer by 17% compared with active smokers. Specifically, successful quitters had a 42% lower risk of lung cancer, 27% lower risk of liver cancer, 20% lower risk of colorectal cancer, and 14% lower risk of stomach cancer. The overall health benefits of smoking cessation, including these reduced risks, have prompted many anti-smoking efforts worldwide. Below, we look at various quit-smoking efforts that aim to combat cancer risks around the globe.
Global efforts in smoking cessation
There are various policies in place to curb the prevalence of smoking globally. On top of state laws that prohibit smoking in public places, the US enacted the Tobacco Control Act in 2009 to give the Food and Drug Administration regulatory authority over cigarettes. Countries like Ireland, France, Mexico, and Canada also have smoking restrictions in place, particularly in public and indoor spaces. BioMed Central research suggests the effectiveness of mass media campaigns in reducing smoking prevalence, particularly campaigns that focus on the impact of secondhand smoking, which also causes cancer. Overall, over a quarter of the global population is covered by complete smoking bans in public spaces and workplaces, as reported by WHO, helping reduce multiple health risks, including cancer.
Aside from anti-smoking efforts, the development of new technology has also boosted the capacity to detect, diagnose, and combat cancer. For instance, the partnership between health tech company Verily and research network OneOncology allows for more effective clinical trials to ensure high-quality cancer care. Integrating Verily’s clinical trial management software SignalPath into OneOncology’s research database OneR can enhance clinical trial programs to open opportunities for research expansion to improve and develop cancer treatments.
The rise of smoking alternatives
The rise of smokeless alternatives has also helped smokers find an alternative to cancer-causing cigarettes. Nicotine pouches, which are small, tobacco-free sacs, are some of the most popular alternatives due to their availability in online and offline distribution platforms. Online retailer Prilla hosts a wide selection of brands like ZYN, VELO, Rogue, and On!, which all offer diverse flavors and nicotine strengths that smokers can gradually lower to help them eventually quit smoking. The site also offers express delivery in the US with free shipping for a minimum purchase of $50. This easy access has paved the way for pouches to become a popular alternative to cigarettes.
Another smokeless alternative is nicotine patches. Unlike pouches that are placed between the cheek and gum, nicotine patches are transdermal and simply placed on a clean part of the skin. Habitrol nicotine patches are a viable option that comes in various doses to help smokers gradually quit. These smokeless alternatives enable users to manage smoking withdrawal symptoms and eliminate risks of cancer, especially since they do not contain the same harmful chemicals found in cigarettes. With their availability in brick-and-mortar stores and online platforms, smokeless alternatives are now easily accessible to people wanting to quit smoking. Efforts to curb smoking – from mass campaigns and government regulations to the rise of smokeless alternatives – not only increase health awareness but also prevent risks of developing smoking-related diseases like cancer. For more articles like this, visit the World Business Outlook website.
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