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** 21 November 2024
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** UK
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** Study examines vaping as a tool to prevent smoking relapse (#1)
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** UK cancer survival rates fall behind international averages (#2)
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** Health campaigners urge new Scottish levy on alcohol and tobacco retailers to fund public services (#3)
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** Former tobacco lobbyist kept parliamentary access due to error (#4)
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** UK
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** Study examines vaping as a tool to prevent smoking relapse
Research led by University College London indicates that one in five people in England who have stopped smoking for over a year now use e-cigarettes, representing around 2.2 million individuals. The study, funded by Cancer Research UK, links the rise in vaping to increased use of vapes as a smoking cessation aid. However, it also highlights an increase in uptake among individuals who quit smoking years ago, suggesting some long-term ex-smokers may have turned to vaping. The researchers speculate that this may be driven by the popularity of disposable vapes.
Public health experts view the substitution of vaping for smoking as a positive step, as it “poses a small fraction of the health risks of smoking in the short to medium term”.
Source: The i, 21 November 2024
See also: BMC Medicine - Prevalence and uptake of vaping among people who have quit smoking: a population study in England, 2013-2024 ([link removed]) | ASH – Vaping Myth Buster ([link removed])
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** UK cancer survival rates fall behind international averages
A new Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) report highlights the UK's struggle with cancer survival rates. The UK ranked 31st for lung cancer survival and 26th for colon cancer, well below nations like the US, Germany, and South Korea. Although the UK performs better in breast cancer survival, it still falls behind many other countries.
Experts have underscored the need for urgent action, citing inadequate prevention and treatment systems as major contributors to the country's poor outcomes. Dr Ian Walker, Cancer Research UK’s Executive Director of Policy recommends the swift implementation of the tobacco and vapes bill to improve cancer prevention.
With cancer-related NHS spending set to rise sharply by 2050, experts are calling for a comprehensive 10-year cancer plan, to include stronger prevention measures and enhanced care strategies.
Source: The Guardian, 21 November 2024
See also: OECD Library - Tackling the Impact of Cancer on Health, the Economy and Society ([link removed])
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** Health campaigners urge new Scottish levy on alcohol and tobacco retailers to fund public services
A coalition of health organisations has called on the Scottish Government to introduce a “public health supplement” targeting large retailers that sell alcohol and tobacco. The proposal aims to generate significant funds to combat the societal costs of these products, including treatment for related diseases and preventative health measures. Campaigners argue that the industries profiting from the sale of harmful products should contribute to mitigating their impact on public health, citing the financial strain on the NHS due to smoking and alcohol-related illnesses.
The proposed measure could raise nearly £60 million, primarily affecting large supermarket chains. Advocates suggest the funds be used for initiatives such as early detection of liver disease, community-based health programmes, and improved access to support for addiction recovery. The government has committed to reviewing the proposal as part of its upcoming budget discussions.
Source: The Daily Record, 21 November 2024
See also: NCD Alliance Scotland – NCD Prevention: A commercial Determinants of Health Approach ([link removed]) | Summary Report ([link removed])
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** Former tobacco lobbyist kept parliamentary access due to error
A former lobbyist for major tobacco firms, including British American Tobacco and Philip Morris, retained access to parliament for almost 18 months due to an administrative oversight. Despite his pass being tied to a life peer who went on extended leave in late 2022, it was not deactivated until May 2024. This allowed him continued access to key parliamentary areas and figures, even though such passes are strictly for social purposes.
During this time, his consultancy represented a range of high-profile clients, including firms linked to sanctioned oligarchs and companies involved in contentious disputes. His earlier lobbying for leading tobacco companies underscores concerns about the influence and access granted by parliamentary passes, particularly when oversight lapses occur.
Source: Tortoise, 21 November 2024
See also: Sky News - Liz Truss's chief of staff recuses himself from government smoking strategy due to 'Big Tobacco' links ([link removed]) | ASH – Tobacco industry tactics ([link removed])
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