A study has found that smoking could lead to 300,000 cancer cases in the UK by 2029
Cancer Research is asking MPs to support a new tobacco and vaping bill, saying the harm caused by cigarettes can’t be ignored.
New figures show that nearly 300,000 people in the UK could get cancer from tobacco in the next five years. The tobacco and vapes bill aims to make the UK the first country to completely eliminate smoking. It would stop anyone born after January 1, 2009, from legally buying tobacco by gradually raising the legal age for buying cigarettes. The bill will be discussed in Parliament on Tuesday.
Cancer Research UK says the harm caused by tobacco, the leading cause of death in the UK, must be addressed, especially as 350 young people start smoking every day. They call the bill a “historic opportunity” to prevent thousands of cancers and ease pressure on the NHS.
A report published by a charity on Monday predicts that by 2029, there could be 296,661 new cancer cases in the UK if current trends continue. Last year, nearly 160 cancer cases linked to smoking were diagnosed every day on average.
The study estimates the number of cancer cases caused by smoking until July 2029, which is the end of the current parliamentary term. It predicts 243,045 cases in England, 29,365 in Scotland, 15,161 in Wales, and 9,090 in Northern Ireland.
The study also found that 2,846 cancer cases in the UK could be caused by secondhand smoke in people who have never smoked.
The latest survey from the Office for National Statistics shows that in 2023, about 11.9% of adults (around 6 million people) in the UK smoked. This is the lowest percentage since the survey started in 2011.
However, research shows that about 350 young adults aged 18 to 25 start smoking every day, and around 35,000 people have taken up smoking since the king’s speech in July.
Dr. Ian Walker, the charity’s policy director, said, “Tobacco kills up to two-thirds of its users. The damage smoking causes cannot be ignored, and these statistics show the lives at risk.”
He added that smoking rates can drop with government action. Raising the minimum age to buy tobacco and funding services to help people quit will protect people from the harmful effects of smoking.
The charity is asking all MPs to support the tobacco and vapes bill, which was introduced in parliament in early November.
The bill could stop anyone born after January 1, 2009, from legally buying tobacco by slowly raising the legal age for purchasing it.
It may also bring in rules to limit vape advertising and sponsorship, as well as control on flavours, packaging, and displays to make them less attractive to children and young people. Vaping and smoking might be banned in playgrounds and near schools.
Walker said, “The tobacco and vapes bill could be one of the most important health actions of my lifetime. The future of people’s health is now in the hands of politicians, and I urge all MPs to vote for a future without the harms of tobacco.”
Prof Chris Whitty, England’s chief medical officer, said that making the UK “smoke-free” would reduce stillbirths, asthma in children, and lower the rates of cancer, strokes, heart disease, and dementia.
Published: 25th November 2024
Also Read:
Perfect waves at Scotland’s first inland surf resort!
Mental health patients harmed by distant treatment centers
MPs to summon Elon Musk on X’s role in UK summer riots
