Global Vape Group Urges EU to Include Vaping in Anti-Cancer Strategy

On November 29, according to Vapingpost, last September, the World Vapers' Alliance (WVA) launched a new campaign urging EU policymakers to include vaping in the EU's strategy to combat cancer.
 
It is well known that smoking is one of the leading causes of cancer, and cancer is the second leading cause of death in Europe. Eliminating tobacco use could prevent about 90% of lung cancer cases. In fact, Sweden has the lowest smoking rate in Europe, largely due to the widespread use of snus as an alternative to cigarettes, resulting in the lowest lung cancer incidence across the continent.

EU Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides is committed to developing a plan to combat cancer in the EU, aiming to reduce cancer incidence and improve Europe's response to the disease. A study published in 2017 in BMJ Tobacco Control indicated that the cancer risk from vaping is only 1% of that from traditional cigarettes.

Considering the relative safety of vaping, WVA Director Michael Landr called on European institutions to encourage the use of e-cigarettes. In Europe, smoking is the leading cause of cancer, and vaping has helped hundreds of thousands of smokers quit. He stated, "We hope to see decision-makers include vaping in the EU's cancer strategy to ensure millions of Europeans can benefit from a successful and effective smoking cessation method."

The WVA campaign encourages European vapers to share their success stories to help traditional smokers quit, thereby aiding in the fight against cancer. Vapers in Europe are also encouraged to contact their elected representatives in hopes of influencing policy changes.

There are clear signs that most European citizens support the idea of including vaping in the EU's cancer strategy. A data analysis by the Italian think tank I-Com showed that one-sixth of respondents in the public consultation for the strategy supported the inclusion of harm reduction tools.

"By supporting vaping and including it in the EU's cancer strategy, the European Commission will acknowledge the voices of European citizens and send a clear message that they are determined to combat cancer once and for all," Landr added.