Tobacco use is a major health risk in the European Union, leading to serious diseases such as lung cancer, stroke and respiratory diseases. In total, around 700,000 people die each year in the EU from smoking-related diseases.
However, positive trends have been seen in some EU countries by recognising the role of smokeless tobacco products in reducing health risks. Dr Dumitru Brynza from the Cancer Institute of Moldova notes that the introduction of harm reduction strategies, such as offering alternative smokeless products to smokers, has led to a reduction in the incidence of serious smoking-related diseases in countries such as Ireland, the UK and the Scandinavian countries.
However, the importance of smokeless products continues to be ignored in many countries, resulting in ineffective tobacco control. For example, Moldova remains the only country in Europe where smoking rates are on the rise.
To reduce smoking deaths, both cessation and harm reduction strategies need to be included, says Dr Brynza. Effective individualised approaches should help smokers quit the habit, especially young people who need protection from addiction.
An example of a successful strategy is Sweden, where smoking rates and lung cancer incidence are among the lowest in Europe. This is due to the widespread use of smokeless tobacco products such as snus, which is considered less harmful than conventional cigarettes.
To maintain health, smokers are advised to seek professional advice and consider replacing regular cigarettes with smokeless nicotine products such as chewing gum or tobacco heating devices. These alternatives provide nicotine without inhaling harmful substances, which reduces the risk of cancer and other smoking-related diseases.
