The Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) has called for greater action for World No Tobacco Day on May 31, 2023 in light of a new study published by Safiri et al in Cancer Medicine, which found that 2.5 million tobacco-related cancer deaths were reported in 2019.
The UICC is a global organization committed to reducing the burden of cancer around the world. It works with the World Health Organization as well as civil society organizations at the international level and has developed a range of resources to support its over 1,200 members across 172 countries and territories in advocating for stronger tobacco control policies nationally.
Efforts to Reduce Cancer Deaths Attributable to Tobacco
“While there is still much to do and we must remain vigilant, Australia is a prime example of what can be achieved if effective regulation is passed on taxation, advertising, packing, points of sale, raising awareness, and protecting people from the effects of tobacco,” highlighted Jeff Dunn, PhD, AO, Professor of Social and Behavioral Science as well as Chair of Cancer Survivorship at the University of Southern Queensland, Chief of Mission and Head of Research at the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, President of the UICC.
In addition, the UICC has featured tobacco control on social media, in numerous articles published on its website, and most recently in an episode on its podcast series Let’s Talk Cancer. This podcast and many of the UICC's articles have highlighted the insidious commercial interests that lie behind the sale and promotion of cigarettes. Tobacco companies prioritize profits over public health—employing aggressive marketing strategies that target vulnerable populations, including young individuals and low-income communities.
“Every day, thousands of people around the world die from tobacco-related illnesses. Countries have the tools at their disposal to oppose the marketing tactics of companies that sell these carcinogenic products and assist individuals to stop smoking—or never start,” emphasized Cary Adams, BSc, Chief Executive Officer of the UICC.
Conclusions
The UICC has emphasized the urgent need for governments, civil societies, and international organizations to join forces and see more countries implement proven antitobacco measures—as outlined by the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control—to safeguard public health and counter tobacco companies’ harmful tactics that perpetuate the tobacco epidemic.
Disclosure: To access the UICC’s resources on tobacco control, visit uicc.org. For full disclosures of the study authors, visit onlinelibrary.wiley.com.
