World No Tobacco Day 2014

The 31st of May is World No Tobacco Day, when the World Health Organisation (WHO), and their partners, highlight the health risks associated with tobacco. According to the WHO, tobacco use is the single most preventable cause of death globally and is currently responsible for 10% of adult deaths worldwide. Each year over five million people die due to tobacco, and the World Health Organisation is advocating for effective policies to reduce tobacco consumption. 

This year, to support World No Tobacco Day 2014, we have put together some facts about tobacco consumption and cancer in Ireland. While the prevalence of cigarette smoking in Ireland is gradually decreasing, there is a long list of cancers that smokers are at higher risk of compared to non-smokers. In addition, evidence is emerging that individuals who continue to smoke after a cancer diagnosis have poorer survival than non-smokers, or those who quit smoking.