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** 4 August 2025
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UK


** Giant inflatable lungs raise awareness of free cancer screening in Cambridge (#1)
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** International
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** Portugal pushes back against EU’s proposed tobacco tax reforms (#2)
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** US: The uncertain risks of modern nicotine use (#3)
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UK


** Giant inflatable lungs raise awareness of free cancer screening in Cambridge

A large inflatable lung installation will be displayed in Cambridge this August as part of a public health campaign encouraging eligible residents to take part in free NHS lung cancer screening. The initiative targets current and former smokers aged 55 to 74 living in the area. The event is a collaboration between Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, who are working together to improve early detection and treatment of lung cancer. Eligible individuals will be contacted for a phone consultation to assess their health and smoking history, potentially followed by a mobile scan. The screening programme has already reached thousands in other parts of Cambridgeshire and aims to extend to all eligible individuals by 2029.

Source: BBC News, 3 August 2025
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** International
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** Portugal pushes back against EU’s proposed tobacco tax reforms

Portugal has opposed new EU tax proposals that would significantly raise tobacco duties. As part of the European Commission’s draft budget for 2028–2034, a 15% levy on tobacco is being introduced to help fund the bloc’s spending. Portugal argues this could cost it up to €1.5 billion in lost national revenue.

It has also opposed changes to the Tobacco Taxation Directive, which would see cigarette prices rise by over €1 per pack and apply the same tax rates to alternative products like vapes and nicotine pouches. The Portuguese government contends that these products, while still harmful, should be taxed less to encourage smokers to switch. It also raised concerns about increased black market activity, a view not shared by the Commission, which sees harmonised prices as a tool against illicit trade.

Editorial note: Editorial note: In the UK, the economic impact of smoking ([link removed]) , through healthcare, lost productivity, and other factors, far exceeds the revenue raised from tobacco taxes. It is likely that similar dynamics exist in other European countries.

Source: Euractiv, 4 August 2025
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** US: The uncertain risks of modern nicotine use

This article published in The Atlantic explores how nicotine use in the US has become more complex with the growing popularity of smoke-free products such as vapes and nicotine pouches. It presents the view that scientific understanding of nicotine alone, separate from tobacco smoke, is still limited. Some experts that the author interviewed cited possible health risks of nicotine, however it is highlighted that most available research has focused on smokers, leaving uncertainty about the effects of nicotine when used independently.

The report also describes how nicotine alternatives have been marketed in the US - as lifestyle enhancers linked to focus, performance, and relaxation - despite a lack of evidence for this.

The article highlights the addictive nature of nicotine, pointing to financial, behavioural, and psychological consequences. It also notes that public health opinion is divided: some experts view these products as a harm reduction tool for adults, while others argue they may reinforce addiction in new forms.

Source: The Atlantic, 1 August 2025

See also: ASH - Vaping: what you need to know ([link removed])
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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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