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** 4 February 2025
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** UK
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** Rising lung cancer rates in non-smokers linked to air pollution (#1)
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** Bradford trials smoke-free zones in parks and play areas (#2)
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** Businesses warned ahead of upcoming ban on single-use vapes (#4)
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** International
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** Calls grow for cancer warnings on alcohol in Australia (#3)
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** UK
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** Rising lung cancer rates in non-smokers linked to air pollution
A growing proportion of lung cancer cases are being diagnosed in people who have never smoked, with air pollution emerging as a significant risk factor, according to new research from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). The study found that air pollution estimated to have contributed to 200,000 cases in 2022.
Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, but its patterns are shifting. While smoking remains a major driver, declining smoking rates in some countries have coincided with a rise in lung cancer cases among never-smokers.
Experts stress the need for urgent research into additional causes of lung cancer and highlight the importance of strengthening tobacco control and air pollution reduction strategies.
Source: The Guardian, 3 February 2025
See also:Estimated worldwide variation and trends in incidence of lung cancer by histological subtype in 2022 and over time: a population-based study ([link removed](24)00428-4/abstract)
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** Bradford trials smoke-free zones in parks and play areas
Bradford has launched a pilot scheme encouraging people to avoid smoking and vaping in parks and play areas as part of the council’s broader Tobacco Control Strategy. Signs thanking adults for refraining from smoking have been installed in 55 locations across the district, particularly in areas with high smoking rates.
The initiative aims to protect children from exposure to secondhand smoke and discourage them from seeing smoking as a normalised behaviour. The signs, designed by two local primary school children through a competition run by a youth charity, serve as a voluntary request rather than a legal requirement. If successful, the scheme could be expanded across the district later in the year.
Source: Telegraph & Argus, 4 February 2025
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** Businesses warned ahead of upcoming ban on single-use vapes
Pembrokeshire County Council is reminding businesses that from 1st June 2025, selling or possessing single-use vapes for sale—whether online or in-store—will be illegal. The ban applies to all disposable vapes, regardless of nicotine content, though reusable, refillable vapes will still be permitted. Businesses have until the June date to sell all remaining stock and prepare for the ban.
Source: The Tenby Observer, 4 February 2025
Editorial Note: The ban on the sale of disposable vapes includes distribution. This means that it will be illegal to provide or distribute disposable vapes after the 1st of June, including in health settings.
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** International
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** Calls grow for cancer warnings on alcohol in Australia
Alcohol is linked to thousands of cancer cases in Australia each year, yet public awareness of the risks remains low. Despite mounting evidence of alcohol’s role in increasing cancer risk, many Australians still believe moderate drinking has health benefits. Research shows that even low levels of consumption contribute to serious illnesses, particularly colorectal and breast cancer.
Countries such as Ireland and South Korea have introduced mandatory health warnings on alcohol packaging, and the United States is considering similar measures. Australian health bodies have long advocated for such warnings, but labelling remains at the discretion of manufacturers, who often rely on vague "drink responsibly" messages.
Studies suggest that explicit warnings about alcohol’s cancer risks could help reduce consumption, much like those on tobacco products. While Australia has recently introduced mandatory pregnancy warnings on alcohol, campaigners argue this should be expanded to include broader health risks, with strong public support for such measures.
Source: The Conversation, 3 February 2025
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