Combating Smoking Related Diseases — Recommendations for Raising Awareness

As of 2022, China consumes 40% of the world’s cigarettes. To effectively raise awareness, nationwide anti-smoking campaigns should be launched, stricter regulations on cigarette packaging should be enforced, comprehensive tobacco control policies including tax increment on tobacco products and advertisement bans should be imposed. But to address the issue at its core, smoking education should be more deeply integrated into the curriculum. Services such as quitlines, counseling services, and nicotine replacement therapies should be actively promoted.

China has approximately 300 million smokers, accounting for one-third of the global population. Recognising the clear link between smoking and cancer, it is crucial for the government to take the initiative to increase awareness about this significant health threat.

Although China’s “Ban on Smoking in Indoor Public Places” took effect on May 1, 2011, other forms of advertising are tolerated, including through sponsored events and organizations, promotional discounts, and retailer incentive programs. Additionally, products' content information and emissions are not required by law to be disclosed to authorities.

Tobacco-related cancer imposes a significant burden on public health, and effective measures are required to empower individuals to make informed decisions regarding tobacco use. This article proposes suggestions for the Chinese government to effectively disseminate the hazards of smoking to mitigate the prevalence of smoking-related canc