World Health Organisation condemns tobacco

9.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 7th Apr 2003

Smoking is increasing in developing countries.

The World Cancer Report makes a damning case against tobacco and urgent worldwide action is needed to tackle this preventable source of cancer, argues West Midlands Euro-MP Liz Lynne, following the World Health Organisation's publication of the report.

The Report found that the number of cancer cases is likely to increase worldwide by up to 50% by 2020, a third of which would be preventable. It calls for a number of measures to be made to reduce the rise in cancer cases including healthier diets, improved screening (particularly for cervical and breast cancers) and a reduction in tobacco consumption.

Commenting on the report, Liz Lynne said:

"As our populations age, some increase in the number of cancer cases is inevitable. However, this is exacerbated by other factors such as diet and tobacco consumption."

"The European Union, and in particular the UK, now have a much better record in restricting the advertising of tobacco products. With the tide similarly turning in major countries such as Brazil and Canada, we have an ideal opportunity to press for worldwide restrictions on the advertising of this killer weed. Otherwise there is a risk that sales lost in the West will simply be replaced by aggressive marketing in developing countries that are less able to deal with the health consequences."