Cancer, Respiratory and Cardiovascular Diseases
The tobacco epidemic is one of the biggest public health threats in the world, as tobacco use is a major risk factor for cancer, respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, and many other debilitating health conditions. Passive tobacco smoke exposure has similarly been shown cause adverse consequences.
Cigarettes are the most common form of tobacco use in the world. Other tobacco products include water pipe tobacco, various smokeless tobacco products, heated tobacco products, cigars, cigarillos, rolling tobacco, pipe tobacco, snuff and snus. Non-tobacco products containing nicotine (electronic cigarettes, nicotine sachets) also pose significant health risks that should not be ignored.
Cancer:
Tobacco use is a major risk factor for over 20 different types, or subtypes of cancer. Tobacco smoke contains over 70 carcinogenic substances that deposit themselves in various organs and cause lasting damage. For more information, check the webpage of our partner Swiss Cancer League.
Respiratory Diseases:
Tobacco smoke contains more than 7000 chemicals, hundreds of which hold adverse health risks. Those who smoke, have a very high risk of developing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (COPD). In 80 to 90% of COPD cases, smoking is the cause. For more information, check the webpage of our partner Swiss Lung League.
Cardiovascular Diseases:
40% of deaths from smoking in Switzerland are through cardiovascular diseases, as tobacco consumption damages arterial vessels, and increases the risk for high blood pressure, diabetes, heart attack, stroke, and sudden death. For more Information, check the webpage of our partner Swiss Heart Foundation.
Quitting smoking:
Quitting smoking has immediate and lasting health benefits. For more information on these benefits, the health risks of smoking and how to quit, please visit our website: stopsmoking.ch/
May 2022
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