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** 21 February 2025
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** UK
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** Cancer death rates 60% higher in deprived areas, UK research finds (#1)
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** Misconceptions about vaping hinder smokers from quitting, study finds (#2)
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** Smoking significantly increases stroke risk in younger adults, study finds (#3)
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** Pharmacists call for boycott of smoking cessation service due to low fees (#4)
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** Iternational
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** New York files lawsuit against vape distributors over flavours (#5)
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** Links of the week
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** Podcast: Prevention is the new cure (#6)
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** UK
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** Cancer death rates 60% higher in deprived areas, UK research finds
Cancer death rates in the UK are 60% higher in the most deprived areas compared to wealthier regions, with smoking identified as the biggest cause. Cancer Research UK found that deprivation contributes to 28,400 additional cancer deaths annually, with lung cancer accounting for nearly half.
Dr Ian Walker, Executive Director of Policy, Information and Communications at Cancer Research UK, emphasised that these inequalities should not exist and can be reduced through improved NHS access, earlier diagnosis, and better funding. Karis Betts, Cancer Research UK’s inequalities programme lead, urged the government to provide sustained funding for smoking cessation programmes to help lower cases in the most affected communities. The government’s new national cancer plan is seen as a critical opportunity to tackle these disparities.
Source: The Guardian, 21 February 2025
See also: Cancer Research UK - Cancer Statistics Data Hub ([link removed])
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** Misconceptions about vaping hinder smokers from quitting, study finds
A new study carried out by researchers from the Brighton and Sussex Medical School suggests that young adults are more likely to quit smoking and take up vaping if they understand the relative harms of both behaviours. However, widespread misinformation has led many to incorrectly believe that vaping is as harmful, or even worse, than smoking. The researchers stress that although vaping is significantly less harmful than smoking, it is not risk-free and should only be used by smokers who want to quit.
The study, using data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, found that smokers who perceived vaping as less harmful at age 23/24 were more likely to switch six years later. Researchers warn that rising misperceptions could prevent smokers from using e-cigarettes to help them quit smoking. They stress the need for better public awareness campaigns to correct misunderstandings and help more people quit smoking.
Source: BBC News, 21 February 2025
See also: Nicotine & Tobacco Research -
Perceived Harm of Vaping Relative to Smoking and Associations With Subsequent Smoking and Vaping Behaviors Among Young Adults: Evidence From a UK Cohort Study. ([link removed])
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** Smoking significantly increases stroke risk in younger adults, study finds
A recent study highlights the heightened risk of unexplained strokes in young adults under 50 who smoke. The study, which examined individuals aged 18 to 49, found that smokers were over twice as likely to suffer a stroke compared to non-smokers, and heavy smokers had up to five times the risk. The findings are particularly concerning for individuals aged 45-49, who were significantly more likely to experience an unexplained stroke. Researchers emphasised the importance of smoking cessation in preventing strokes in younger populations.
Source: Healthline, 20 February 2025.
See also: Neurology - Association of Smoking and Young Cryptogenic Ischemic Stroke ([link removed])
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Read Here ([link removed])
** Pharmacists call for boycott of smoking cessation service due to low fees
Community Pharmacy South Yorkshire (CPSY) has urged local pharmacists not to participate in a new smoking cessation service offering varenicline, a drug used to help people quit smoking, citing insufficient compensation. The current payment structure for supplying varenicline under the service agreement is deemed inadequate, as the £2.50 to £3.00 fee for follow-up supplies does not cover the time and expertise required for the intervention. CPSY is concerned that this could lead to pharmacies operating at a loss and jeopardising patient safety.
Despite these concerns, local service commissioners have continued with the service, prompting CPSY to call for better remuneration from South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust before agreeing to participate.
Source: The Pharmaceutical Journal, 20 February 2025
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Read Here ([link removed])
** International
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** New York files lawsuit against vape distributors over flavours
New York has filed a lawsuit against several major distributors of disposable e-cigarettes, accusing them of violating state laws that ban the sale of vaping products with flavours and designs appealing to children. The lawsuit targets companies distributing products like Puff Bar and Elf Bar to convenience stores and gas stations across the state. These e-cigarettes, which are not approved by federal health regulators, can be sold with sweet-like flavours such as "cotton candy" and "strawberry cereal donut milk." The state has sought significant damages from the companies and demands a permanent ban on the sale of flavoured e-cigarettes in New York.
Source: The Independent, 20 February 2025
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**
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Read Here ([link removed])
** Link of the week
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** Podcast: Prevention is the new cure
This podcast, hosted by Steve Brine, former MP and Chair of the Health and Social Care Select Committee and Dr Sarah Wollaston, a former Liberal Democrat MP and a general practitioner has a special focus on dementia. From 5:30 they are joined by neurologist, Dr Paul Jarman, from UCLH to talk about condition, including risk factors, lifestyles and new treatments.
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