Tobacco kills 6 million people each year

Cyprus International University (CIU) Faculty of Health Sciences lecturer Assist. Prof. Dr. Nurcan Bilgiç said, "According to the data of the World Health Organization (WHO), tobacco use causes the death of approximately 6 million people in the world annually, and more than 600 thousand of them are passive smokers."

Stating that tobacco consumption is a serious global problem, Bilgiç reminded that it damages almost every organ in the body, and that it creates an important health hazard resulting in death.

Assist. Prof. Dr. Bilgiç noted that tobacco use is one of the leading preventable causes of death in our country as well as all over the world, and added "Tobacco use is considered addiction by WHO."

Emphasizing that 1.5 billion people in the world  smoke, Bilgiç said that this figure is expected to reach 1.7 billion in 2025 if cigarette consumption continues at today’s pace.

Assist. Prof. Dr. Bilgiç stated that the vast majority of smokers usually acquire this habit in their youth, adding that while cigarette consumption tends to decrease in developed countries, ironically cigarette consumption continues to increase in developing countries.

Stating that some beliefs about smoking should be brought to the attention of all individuals in the society, Bilgiç said, “It is very important for people who are in close contact with the young should support youngsters who do not smoke. It is important that there are protective policies and practices regarding smoking implemented in schools.”

Bilgiç stated that individuals in all age groups, especially young people, should be asked about their behaviors and habits related to smoking during preventive health care follow-ups. He also said, “Detecting smoking and early prevention among young people will ensure that attempts to quit smoking will be more successful.”

For this reason, we must turn “May 31st  World No Tobacco Day” into an opportunity with activities we have planned on the occasion of this day.