Stories

Pain in cancer survivors is linked to increased use of cigarettes and cannabis, leading to more treatment side effects and poorer health. Research shows a connection between pain and non-opioid substance use among cancer survivors, impacting their quality of life, mental and physical health. Addressing both pain and substance use together is crucial in cancer care, as they can reinforce each other in a harmful cycle. Smoking or using substances for relief can reduce treatment effectiveness and raise cancer recurrence risk. This emphasizes the importance of holistic support for cancer survivors in managing pain and substance use for better outcomes and quality of life.

A Cochrane review found vaping more effective for quitting smoking than nicotine replacement therapy or behavioral support. Nicotine vapes resulted in more quitters per 100 compared to non-nicotine vapes or no support. Evidence showed low serious harm from vaping. The review, based on 90 studies with 29,044 participants, noted throat/mouth irritation as a common side effect. Regulated vaping products were emphasized, as illicit ones might pose more risks. The live review aims to provide updated information for decision-makers, showing vaping is as effective as prescription stop-smoking drugs. Researchers recommend continuous monitoring of vaping's effects for comprehensive evaluation.

The text criticizes the HSE for falsely claiming vaping causes cancer and highlights discrepancies in the Tobacco Free Ireland Program, which fails to consider vaping as a smoking alternative. In contrast, New Zealand includes vaping in its smoke-free goals and implements safer vaping regulations. The Irish vaping proposals restrict advertisement and flavors, contrasting with New Zealand's approach. The text expresses frustration with Ireland's outdated policies and emphasizes the need to reassess strategies to reduce smoking rates effectively. It mentions concerns about the Minister for Health's legacy and suggests the tobacco industry may benefit from these ineffective policies.

Planned excise tax hikes on e-cigarettes and vaping devices may lead to product withdrawals from the market. Dr. Krzysztof Koźmiński, head of the Regulatory Impact Assessment Center, questioned the proportionality of the tax change and its potential legal implications, highlighting concerns over fairness and the short grace period for businesses to adapt. The drastic tax increases could push many businesses out of the market, with limited time to adjust to the new regulations.

The FDA authorized the marketing of 20 Zyn nicotine pouch products, recognizing their harm reduction benefits compared to cigarettes. This decision underscores the importance of tobacco harm reduction for adult smokers. While the FDA's move is a step forward, inconsistencies in its overall approach to nicotine and tobacco remain evident. Policies should prioritize harm reduction over punitive measures. The FDA should encourage safer alternatives like pouches, vapes, and heated tobacco to reduce smoking-related diseases. Embracing a consistent harm reduction framework will lead to significant progress in reducing smoking-related deaths.

In Canada, youth vaping dominates the public health debate—but what about the millions of adult smokers left behind? Dr. Mark Tyndall reveals how fear, misinformation, and political convenience are obstructing access to safer nicotine products. Is Canadian public health failing its most vulnerable by rejecting harm reduction?

Based on survey data, young adults covered by Tobacco 21 (T21) laws say they are smoking less. Biomarkers paint a smokier picture. Despite recent reports of tobacco bans’ success, new research shows 18 to 20-year-olds are finding ways to get cigarettes and vapes. Traces of nicotine and tobacco in their bodies prove it.

Malaysia’s government appears shrouded in a haze of indecision on vaping, as its leaders vacillate between wanting to stamp out potential health risks to the nation’s youths and keeping young entrepreneurs in business. Without a clear and unified strategy, the country risks rising youth addiction, mounting healthcare costs and an expanding underground market for e-cigarettes.

As the UK's NHS launches its first vaping cessation clnic, three different studies from University College London (UCL), looked into aspects of smoking and vaping.

Speakers have called for increased efforts to expose the deceptive tactics of the tobacco industry, emphasizing the need to protect public health.