Nicosia, Cyprus. The Cyprus Association of Cancer Patients and Friends (Pasykaf) on Friday called for better protection of young people from nicotine addiction and greater support for smokers who want to quit, ahead of World No Tobacco Day on Sunday.
Legislation
Pasykaf said Cyprus needs to update its legislation to address non-nicotine tobacco products, which it said remain available because of legal loopholes and are often accessed by minors.
Campaign
The organisation said it is marking 40 years in cancer prevention and health promotion and is taking part in the World Health Organisation campaign themed “Unmasking the appeal, countering nicotine and tobacco addiction.”
This year’s campaign focuses on how the tobacco industry targets children and adolescents with flavoured products, appealing packaging, digital marketing and new nicotine forms, which it says contribute to a “new cycle of addiction” among young people.
World No Tobacco Day concludes a month-long awareness campaign in Cyprus on the health risks of tobacco and nicotine, industry tactics and the need for stronger public health protection.
Prevention and support
Pasykaf’s director of prevention and social marketing, Georgia Orfanou, said the organisation prioritises evidence-based interventions in cooperation with the health and education ministries.
“Our focus remains on the tobacco industry’s evolving strategies that target young people,” she said.
She said Pasykaf aims to prevent young people from using tobacco and nicotine products while helping adults quit.
Orfanou also highlighted the smoking cessation programme run by the state health services organisation and the toll-free support line 1431, which provides professional help to people who want to stop smoking.
Health risks
Pasykaf warned that smoking and new nicotine products are linked to serious cancers, including lung and bladder cancer, as well as cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.
