Tobacco and the Escalating Global Cancer Burden
Author Information
Author(s): Richard F. Oppeltz, Ismail Jatoi
Primary Institution: The University of Texas Health Science Center
Hypothesis
The paper aims to highlight the trend towards increased tobacco use and the increasing cancer burden in developing countries and suggest steps that might be taken to reverse this alarming trend.
Conclusion
The reduction of cancer-related morbidity and mortality in developing countries should now become an urgent global priority.
Supporting Evidence
- Tobacco use is responsible for one-third of all cancer-related deaths.
- Worldwide, cancer is responsible for 1 out of every 8 deaths.
- By 2030, lung cancer is expected to be the sixth most common cause of death globally.
- 40% of all cancers diagnosed today could have been prevented through tobacco control.
- Tobacco control policies can significantly reduce the burden of cancer.
Takeaway
Tobacco use is causing more cancer deaths, especially in developing countries, and we need to take action to help people stop smoking.
Potential Biases
The tobacco industry propagates disinformation and manipulates research regarding the effects of tobacco use.
Limitations
The paper discusses the limitations related to specific countries and age population groups in estimating mortality attributable to tobacco use.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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