ISLAMABAD, Jul 30 (APP):Medical experts have called for stronger prevention measures, improved smoking cessation support and continued scientific discussion on reducing exposure to the harmful chemicals produced by burning tobacco. Speaking at an online seminar on the harms of tobacco use, Dr Saima Zahoor, Assistant Professor and Clinical Oncologist, said preventing tobacco-related cancers requires reducing exposure to toxic cigarette smoke. She stressed that quitting tobacco remains the most effective way …
Experts call for stronger measures to reduce tobacco-related cancers
ISLAMABAD, Jul 30 (APP):Medical experts have called for stronger prevention measures, improved smoking cessation support and continued scientific discussion on reducing exposure to the harmful chemicals produced by burning tobacco.
Speaking at an online seminar on the harms of tobacco use, Dr Saima Zahoor, Assistant Professor and Clinical Oncologist, said preventing tobacco-related cancers requires reducing exposure to toxic cigarette smoke.
She stressed that quitting tobacco remains the most effective way to lower health risks.
“Preventing tobacco-related cancers begins with eliminating exposure to the toxic smoke of burning tobacco. While complete cessation remains our gold standard, Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) offers a pragmatic, scientifically backed approach to reducing risk for adults who are unable to quit smoking,” she said.
Medical experts said smoking is a major risk factor for several cancers, including those of the lungs, mouth and throat. They noted that many smokers continue to use tobacco despite repeated warnings and attempts to quit.
According to health experts, most of the harm caused by smoking comes from the combustion of tobacco. When tobacco burns, cigarette smoke releases more than 7,000 chemicals, many of which are toxic and several of which are known to cause cancer.
They said this has led to growing scientific interest in Tobacco Harm Reduction, particularly for adult smokers who would otherwise continue smoking.
The approach seeks to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals by eliminating combustion while recognising that quitting all tobacco and nicotine products remains the safest option.
Public health specialists stressed that Tobacco Harm Reduction should not be seen as a substitute for quitting smoking or as evidence that alternative nicotine products are risk-free.
They said these products are not intended for non-smokers, former smokers or young people.
The experts said reducing Pakistan’s tobacco-related cancer burden requires a comprehensive strategy that includes prevention, stronger cessation services, public awareness and continued scientific evaluation of evidence-based harm-reduction approaches for adults who are unable to quit smoking.
They added that public health efforts should continue to focus on preventing tobacco use, encouraging complete cessation and reducing exposure to the harmful chemicals produced by burning tobacco.
