|
|
|
|
Children regularly exposed to junk food ads through social media, research shows
Cancer Research UK has warned that young people are being routinely exposed to unhealthy food content online, with many influenced by social media posts from influencers and brands. A survey commissioned by the charity, involving 4,000 respondents aged 11 to 21, found that 52% had seen junk food promotions in the past month and 39% had engaged with the posts. Influencer content was more likely to prompt interaction than adverts from companies. The survey also included questions about exposure to cigarettes and vapes. Campaigners from Cancer Research UK are urging the government to fully implement and enforce delayed advertising restrictions, warning that existing loopholes could continue to put children's health at risk.
Source: The Independent, 19 August 2025
See also: Cancer Research UK. Digital influence: Young people’s exposure to the marketing of cigarettes, vapes, unhealthy food/drink, and alcohol. August 2025.
Editorial note: The survey also found that among young social media users, 1 in 5 reported seeing cigarette-related posts from businesses in the past month, while 1 in 4 saw similar posts from influencers. However, participants in the qualitative study did not recall encountering any cigarette-related content, attributing this to marketing restrictions and platform algorithms.
For vape-related content, almost 1 in 3 young users reported exposure to posts from businesses, and nearly 4 in 10 had seen posts by influencers. Those who had previously vaped were more likely to encounter such content. Warning labels, such as nicotine disclaimers, were often overlooked. Some qualitative participants identified meme-style vape content online, though most expressed negative views toward vaping and believed it to be more harmful than perceived.
In terms of alcohol, more than 1 in 3 young users saw posts by businesses promoting alcohol, and almost 2 in 5 saw influencer content. Exposure was notably higher among those who had already consumed alcohol. The qualitative data suggested that alcohol-related content was often humorous or casually presented, with some over-18s acknowledging it influenced their desire to drink.
|
|
Hospitals given financial reward for reducing NHS waiting list numbers
Hospitals in England are being paid £33 for each patient removed from NHS waiting lists, as part of a government initiative to address the treatment backlog. While the payments are intended to support validation exercises—such as identifying patients who no longer need care—there are growing concerns over transparency. The Nuffield Trust and the Health Foundation have warned that removals may reflect a range of reasons, including patients seeking private treatment, moving abroad, or dying, rather than actual medical care being delivered. Critics argue that without clearer data, it’s difficult to assess whether the NHS is truly meeting patient demand.
Source: The Sunday Times, 16 August 2025
See also: Nuffield Trust - Why is the planned care waiting list coming down and what does the data really tell us?
|
|
Chancellor may target junk food and gambling in new wave of health and consumption taxes
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is reportedly considering a range of new levies on products like junk food, sugary drinks, gambling, tobacco, and alcohol in order to plug a growing gap in public finances. Economic analysts estimate that the government could need to raise £20 billion to maintain its fiscal credibility, with additional pressures from policy U-turns and lower-than-expected tax receipts. Progressive think tanks, such as the Institute Public Policy Research (IPPR), back higher gambling taxes, while charities like Diabetes UK and the World Cancer Research Fund support increased levies on unhealthy food.
Source: Bristol Post, 17 August 2025
Editorial note: Media stories covering prevention of ill-health are being included in ASH Daily News because policy change in these areas is indicative of the Government’s position on prevention and their attitudes to harm-causing industries.
|
|
Growing incidence of lung cancer in non-smokers prompts concern in Canada
Medical professionals in Canada report an increase in lung cancer cases among individuals who have never smoked, with women representing a significant portion of these diagnoses. Although tobacco use remains the primary risk factor, environmental elements such as prolonged exposure to radon gas, second-hand smoke, and air pollution are contributing factors. It is unclear whether there has been a rise in the number of non-smokers getting lung cancer or whether they make up a larger proportion of patients as smoking rates fall.
Detection in non-smokers is often delayed due to subtle symptoms and the absence of screening programmes aimed at this group. Recent advancements in personalised treatment, including genetic profiling, have improved patient outcomes and extended survival times. Advocacy efforts emphasise the need for greater awareness and access to appropriate therapies regardless of smoking history.
Source: The Canadian Press, 18 August 2025
|
|
Have you been forwarded this email? Subscribe to ASH Daily News here.
For more information email [email protected] or visit www.ash.org.uk
@ASHorguk
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
