Canada becomes first country to require a health warning directly on every cigarette - Seite 2

The global trend in requiring picture warnings, warnings with increased size, and plain packaging, is outlined in the seventh edition of a report by the Canadian Cancer Society, dated October 2021. For plain packaging, which removes branded colours and logos, and uses a standard background colour for all brands (eg drab brown), there are now at least 25 countries/territories that have final requirements, beginning with Australia in 2012 and including Canada in 2019.

The World Health Organization reports that tobacco kills more than 8 million people each year, that 80% of the world's tobacco users live in low- and middle-income countries, and that in 2020 22.3% of the world's population used tobacco, including 36.7% of all men and 7.8% of the world's women. Smoking causes lung cancer, at least 15 other types of cancer, heart disease, stroke, emphysema, and many other health effects, including harms from second-hand smoke. In Canada, based on 2021 data, there are still 3.8 million Canadians who smoke, representing 12% of the population aged 12+. The Canadian government has set an objective of under 5% of Canadians using tobacco by 2035.

About the Canadian Cancer Society

The Canadian Cancer Society works tirelessly to save and improve lives. We fund the brightest minds in cancer research. We provide a compassionate support system for all those affected by cancer, across Canada and for all types of cancer. As the voice for people who care about cancer, we work with governments to shape a healthier society. No other organization does all that we do to make lives better today and transform the future of cancer forever. Help us make a difference. In Canada, call 1-888-939-3333 or visit cancer.ca today.

Background material

• Canadian Department of Health ("Health Canada") news release, May 31, 2023
• Health Canada backgrounder, May 31, 2023
• Canadian Tobacco Products Appearance, Packaging and Labelling Regulations
• Health Canada image of first set of 6 warnings to appear directly on cigarettes (English) (French)
• Health Canada image of second set of 6 warnings to appear directly on cigarettes effective August 1, 2026 (English) (French)
• Health Canada image depicting health messages on package exterior and interior, and on cigarette itself (English) (French)
• Canadian Cancer Society report, Cigarette Package Health Warnings: International Status Report, October 2021
• World Health Organization Key Facts for tobacco, May 24, 2022

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2094692/Canadian_Cancer_Society_Canada_becomes_first_country_to_require.jpg

Rob Cunningham, Senior Policy Analyst, Canadian Cancer Society, [e-mail]

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