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** 5 June 2025
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** UK
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** Nicotine pouches drive tobacco industry growth amid concerns around youth uptake (#1)
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** Opinion: Community pharmacies urged to strengthen role in helping smokers quit (#2)
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** NHS cancer care under strain as staffing shortages delay treatment (#3)
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** International
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** Chinese cities step up anti-smoking efforts in public spaces (#4)
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** Switzerland to outlaw single-use e-cigarettes over health and environmental concerns (#5)
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** UK
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** Nicotine pouches drive tobacco industry growth amid concerns around youth uptake
Nicotine pouches, which deliver synthetic nicotine without tobacco, are rapidly expanding in the US and European markets, attracting both former smokers and younger users.
Major tobacco firms have invested heavily in this high-margin product category, contributing to significant revenue growth and signalling a shift towards alternative nicotine products.
However, health experts and regulators remain wary of the addiction risks and potential harm, particularly due to strong nicotine concentrations and appealing flavours.
Several countries are considering or implementing restrictions to curb youth uptake and safeguard public health. The future of nicotine pouches remains uncertain as consumer habits and regulatory landscapes evolve.
Source: Financial Times, 5 June 2025
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** Opinion: Community pharmacies urged to strengthen role in helping smokers quit
A pharmacist has called for community pharmacies to offer more robust support for individuals trying to stop smoking, arguing that current services often fall short of meeting patients’ needs.
The pharmacist proposes a more holistic approach that includes better access to nicotine replacement therapies, personalised counselling, and digital tools to improve success rates.
He also advocates for closer integration of these services with the wider healthcare system, ensuring continuity of care.
Strengthening the pharmacy’s role, he suggests, could have a meaningful impact on public health and support national goals to reduce smoking prevalence.
Source: Chemist+Druggist, 4 June 2025
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** NHS cancer care under strain as staffing shortages delay treatment
The UK's cancer services are facing mounting delays due to a severe shortage of specialist staff, particularly in radiology and oncology.
Patients are experiencing longer waits for crucial diagnostics and treatment, with many NHS units unable to meet target times. The shortfall is leading to postponed operations, referrals to other hospitals, and increased pressure on overstretched teams.
Although the government has announced new measures to reduce backlogs and expand capacity, healthcare professionals warn that without a significant increase in trained personnel, timely cancer care remains at risk.
Rising burnout among staff is also exacerbating the crisis, with concerns growing over long-term patient outcomes.
Source: The Guardian, 5 June 2025
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** International
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** Chinese cities step up anti-smoking efforts in public spaces
Urban centres across China are intensifying restrictions on smoking in outdoor areas as part of a national push to reduce tobacco use.
Cities such as Shanghai and Shenzhen have introduced new campaigns targeting popular public locations, combining stricter enforcement with public education and designated smoking areas.
These initiatives align with broader health objectives aimed at lowering smoking rates and expanding smoke-free environments by 2030.
China has made notable progress in tobacco control since joining an international health treaty two decades ago, with national smoking rates showing steady decline.
Some cities have already surpassed national targets, suggesting localised efforts are playing a key role in shifting public habits and attitudes toward smoking.
Source: China Daily, 5 June 2025
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** Switzerland to outlaw single-use e-cigarettes over health and environmental concerns
The Swiss parliament has voted in favour of banning disposable vaping devices across the country, citing their appeal to young people and the environmental harm they cause.
The measure, now set to be integrated into existing tobacco legislation, aims to curb rising nicotine use among adolescents and reduce waste from single-use products.
While the Swiss government had initially expressed reservations over potential trade complications, it has now accepted the decision, reflecting growing national concern over youth vaping and sustainability.
The move places Switzerland ahead of many European counterparts in regulating this segment of the nicotine market.
Source: SWI swissinfo.ch, 4 June 2025
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