Study: Few Asian smokers try to quit
An international team of researchers report that while more Asians are becoming smokers, few are making an effort to quit. Researchers reviewed 31 studies on smoking, quitting, and lung cancer. In China, research revealed a low awareness of the health risks of smoking, with 70 percent of Chinese smokers referring to the dangers of smoking as “negligible” and nearly three-quarters of the country’s 320 million smokers reporting no intention to quit. Chinese male smokers in Asia are 2.48 times more likely to die of lung cancer than non-smokers. Click here to read more.

Study of California’s tobacco control
A new series of studies from the University of California San Diego reveals the impact of the first 12 years of the California campaign against smoking on adult smokers. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau compares the state’s smoking cessation rates, daily cigarette consumption levels, and smoking trends among African Americans before and after the advent of the campaign. Additionally, California is compared to two groups of states, New York/New Jersey and the tobacco growing states (Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and Georgia). One surprising result is that since the advent of the campaign, young people have increased their rate of quitting by 50 percent, far more than their older counterparts. One explanation may be the changing social norms around smoking where smoking is not socially supported and is no longer “cool.” Click here to read more about the study.

Global momentum for smokefree indoor environments at tipping point
Researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health and the Association of European Cancer Leagues have released a report describing the growing momentum for indoor smoking bans in countries across the globe. They identified Ireland’s 2004 ban as a likely tipping point for fundamental change in social norms and public health worldwide. Since 2004 more than a dozen other countries have adopted similar bans. The Perspective was published in the April issue of The New England Journal of Medicine. Click here for the Harvard School of Public Health press release.

Tobacco smoking by occupation in Australia: results from the 2004 to 2005 National Health Survey
New research reveals that Australian rates of tobacco smoking vary widely depending on occupation, supporting the need for effective tobacco-control strategies targeting vulnerable sections of the workforce, particularly blue-collar workers. The study looked at smoking data from approximately 26,000 people who participated in the 2004 to 2005 National Health Survey. Click here to read the study abstract, published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.

Federal Trade Commission releases 2004-2005 Cigarette and Smokeless Tobacco Reports
The U.S. Federal Trade commission has released its 2004/05 Cigarette and Smokeless Tobacco Reports. Reports contain the most up-to-date information on: the number of cigarettes sold or given away, total cigarette advertising and promotional expenditures, price discounts paid to retailers/wholesales, along with other information. One of the most shocking findings is the huge increase in tobacco marketing, including price discounts, since the 1998 Master Settlement. Matthew Myers of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids cites these reports as evidence for the need for FDA regulation. Click here to access the statement made by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids and here to access the reports.

Texas economic impact study reveals prevention, wellness, and smoking cessation programs will result in significant net economic gains, jobs
The Texas Coalition for Worksite Wellness unveiled a study discussing the potential impact of prevention, wellness, and smoking cessation programs on the Texas economy, the State’s employee health insurance plan, the State’s Medicaid program, and Texas employers. Major findings reveal that there would be large economic returns on investments and the creation of a large number of jobs. The Texas House and Senate are currently considering legislation that would encourage investment in prevention and wellness for Medicaid recipients and state employees. Click here to read more about the report.

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