In a recently in the renowned journal The Lancet Public Health published study was shown an alarming trend: Fast 20 % The adult men in China die from the consequences of cigarette smoking. The research results not only underline the health risks of smoking, but also shed light on the growing challenges in the area of tobacco control in China, the world's largest tobacco consumption market.
A groundbreaking study on smoking research
The study, which was supported by the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology as well as other institutions, was carried out by an international research team led by Professor Chen Zhengming (University of Oxford), Professor Wang Chen (Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences) und Professor Li Liming (University of Beijing) carried out. It represents the first large -scale national investigation, which systematically analyzes the connection between smoking and diseases in China. The study followed over a period of 11 Years the health data of more than 510.000 Adults between the ages between 35 and 84 years.
The focus was on the analysis of 470 different diseases and 85 Cousands of death in relation to cigarette consumption. The results were shocking: Cigarette smoking is significant in China 56 diseases and 22 Caused by death. In addition to the generally known risks such as lung cancer, the study showed, that also diseases such as brain bleeding, Diabetes, Cataracts, Skin diseases and infections- and parasite diseases can be promoted by smoking. Many of these relationships have so far been largely unknown.
The extent of the effects
The study shows, that about 20 % the men and 3 % the women in the observed age group died of the consequences of smoking. Since the tobacco consumption in China is predominantly male, concerns the problem of men to an alarming extent. Men are particularly at risk, the after 1970 were born. “About two thirds of the young Chinese men are currently smoking, And most of them started before theirs 20. Year of life ", Professor Li Lining explained in an interview. “If these men don't stop smoking, about half of them will die from smoke -related diseases. "
This trend indicates this, that the health burden of smoking in China will continue to increase in the coming decades. The researchers emphasize, that measures to contain tobacco consumption are urgently required, To prevent an even greater health crisis.
Smoking cessation is a difficult way
Although the need for a smoking cessation is clear, the implementation remains difficult. According to a report of the Guangming Daily of the year 2021 lies the failure rate of Chinese smokers, who try, to stop by pure willpower, at over 90 %. This illustrates, how strong nicotine dependence is and how difficult it is for many people, to get rid of smoking in the long term.
Still there is hope: With the increasing spread of knowledge about the health consequences of smoking, more and more people are turning to specialized clinics for smoking cessation or looking for alternative solutions such as e-cigarettes.
E-cigarettes as a means of reduction in damage
E-cigarettes have established themselves as a popular tool for smoking cessation in recent years. In Great Britain, for example, they were in the year 2022 The most frequently used tool for humans, who wanted to stop smoking. A study, die 2021 in The Lancet Public Health has been published, showed, that the success rate in smoking cessation with e-cigarettes on average 5-10 % is higher than with weaning without aids. A higher success rate was found, especially in strong smokers.
Die Cochrane Collaboration, A leading worldwide organization in the field of evidence -based medicine, published between 2014 and 2021 five reports, The effectiveness of E-cigarettes confirmed during smoking cessation. The latest report from the year 2021, based on 50 Studies with over 10.000 Participants, demonstrated again, that e-cigarettes represent an effective method to reduce tobacco consumption. Jamie Hartmann-Boyce from Cochrane Tobacco Addiction Group explained this: “E-cigarettes are not completely risk-free, But far less harmful than conventional cigarettes. "
Lower damage caused by e-cigarettes
In addition to their role in smoking cessation, e-cigarettes also offer potential advantages in the reduction in damage. A study by the School of Pharmacy at Sun Yat-Sen University from the year 2022 resulted in, that e-cigarette axes are less harmful to the respiratory tract with the same nicotine dose than cigarette smoke. Chronic diseases such as COPD could be better checked by switching to e-cigarettes. One in the year 2020 In the magazine Advances in Chronic Disease Treatment published study showed, that COPD patient, Replace the cigarettes with e-cigarettes, the worsening of their symptoms 50 % reduced.
However, e-cigarettes also cover risks: persons, who return to conventional cigarettes after a phase of e-cigarette consumption, Have an increased risk of respiratory diseases. According to a study by Boston University from the year 2022 your risk doubles, Develop symptoms such as wheezing and coughing.
The future of tobacco control in China
Show the results of the Lancet study, that the health consequences of smoking in China will probably be even more serious in the coming decades. In addition to health burdens for individuals, tobacco consumption also causes considerable economic costs for the health system. In view of the alarming numbers, the authors of the study call for a tightening of tobacco control policy and increased efforts to promote smoking cessation.
The recommended measures include higher tobacco taxes, Stricter regulations for tobacco advertising and the increased use of aids such as e-cigarettes, To make it easier to exit smoking. International experiences, For example from Great Britain, could serve as a model for China, To tackle the challenges of tobacco consumption more effectively.
The alarming results of this study underline urgency, to curb tobacco consumption in China. Smoking is not just an individual decision, but a problem of national importance, that concerns both public health and economic stability. While the challenges are great, offer new approaches such as e-cigarettes hope for millions of smokers, who want to stop the tobacco consumption. Only through determined action and the introduction of extensive strategies can China master the growing health crisis through smoking and save countless life.
