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Smoking's role in rising bowel cancer rates
Bowel cancer rates among younger individuals are increasing sharply in England, raising concerns over contributing factors. Smoking has emerged as a significant risk, linked to a considerable percentage of cases in the UK. Tobacco exposure introduces harmful chemicals that can damage DNA, raising the likelihood of mutations leading to cancer. Additionally, alcohol consumption, especially binge drinking, compounds risks by generating DNA-altering substances during metabolism.
Dietary habits also play a crucial role, with excessive consumption of processed and red meats and insufficient fibre intake significantly increasing the risk. Obesity and lack of physical activity are notable contributors, alongside genetic predispositions or chronic inflammatory conditions like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. Preventative measures such as healthy eating, regular exercise, and smoking cessation are vital to reducing risks.
Source: The Guardian, 12 December 2024
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Jersey takes decisive step to ban disposable vapes
Jersey will implement a ban on disposable vapes in 2025, following unanimous approval by the States Assembly. The initiative aims to combat the environmental issues posed by single-use devices, which contain plastics, metals, and lithium batteries, contributing significantly to waste and pollution. This move aligns with broader sustainability efforts, encouraging responsible resource use and waste reduction. Retailers will be permitted to sell remaining stock before the ban takes effect. Similar actions have been taken in Guernsey and the UK to address the growing popularity of disposable vapes, especially among younger users, and their associated ecological impacts.
Source: BBC News, 11 December 2024
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Illegal vapes and tobacco seized in Norfolk operation
A coordinated operation in Thetford, Norfolk, led to the confiscation of thousands of suspected illegal vaping and tobacco products. Conducted by Breckland Police with Trading Standards and licensing teams, the raid targeted four locations and was supported by a detection dog.
Source: BBC News, 12 December 2024
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Australia: Success of tobacco control efforts highlights obesity as new health challenge
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare's 2024 Burden of Disease Study celebrates the significant progress made in reducing the health impact of tobacco use, which has declined by 41% since 2003 due to sustained regulatory measures. Tobacco smoking, once the leading cause of health issues, now ranks second contributing 7.6% of disease burden. This achievement underscores the effectiveness of public health campaigns and policies targeting smoking. Obesity, on the other hand, has now become the leading health risk, contributing 8.3% of disease burden. Experts advocate for a similar focus on systemic solutions, including changes in food industry practices and public health strategies, while emphasising the continued importance of preventive health efforts.
Source: The Guardian, 12 December 2024
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Written Questions
Asked by Charlie Dewhirst, Conservative, Bridlington and The Wolds
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she has had discussions with her Australian counterpart on the impact of excise tax for tobacco products on (a) consumer and (b) organised crime group behaviour.
Answered by James Murray, Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury), Labour, Ealing North
No discussions have taken place with Australian ministers on these issues.
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Asked by Dr Beccy Cooper, Labour, Worthing West
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to increase the amount of health-related content in the national curriculum.
Answered by Catherine Mckinnell, Minister of State (Education), Labour, Newcastle upon Tyne North
Health education has been compulsory in all state-funded schools in England since 2020, as part of statutory relationships, sex and health education (RSHE).
The RSHE curriculum, which is currently being reviewed, includes a wide range of health-related topics, including healthy eating, physical fitness, mental wellbeing and first aid, as well as the risks of smoking, drugs and alcohol.
Separately, the independent Curriculum and Assessment Review will consider how RSHE fits into the wider curriculum.
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Asked by Mary Kelly Foy, Labour, City of Durham
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether (a) he and (b) his Department has had discussions with representatives of the vaping industry since the general election.
Answered by Andrew Gwynne, Minister for Public Health and Prevention, Labour, Gorton and Denton
Since July 2024, no members of the Department have met with the vaping industry. This includes my Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care. Details of ministerial meetings are updated quarterly in arrears, on the GOV.UK website.
Source: Hansard, 12 December 2024
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Conference Agenda: Smoking Cessation and Health (SCaH)
The upcoming SCaH conference, themed around the ‘End of Smoking: Thinking Big’, will take place on the 5th March 2025 starting with the Opening Plenary, National Policy, Evidence & Guidance. The event includes a range of public health experts and shall consist of breakout sessions on specialist themes, posters & exhibitions, rapid fire & oral presentations, as well as a closing plenary and award ceremony. ASH Chief Executive Hazel Cheeseman will be presenting on What it will take to end smoking and form part of the morning Panel Discussion with Q&A.
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ASH Blog: Transforming prevention: ASH’s response to the NHS 10-year Health plan consultation
Claire Wells, Policy Officer at ASH, outlines our response to the NHS 10-Year Health Plan consultation, highlighting key recommendations to reduce smoking rates and improve public health through prevention-focused strategies.
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ASH Daily News is a digest of published news on smoking-related topics. ASH is not responsible for the content of external websites. ASH does not necessarily endorse the material contained in this bulletin.
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