Netherlands: Alarming cancer rate prediction – tobacco harm reduction must be embraced immediately

6.10.2022, The Hague. This week, the Dutch research and data agency “Integral Kankercentrum Nederland” (IKNL) published an alarming cancer rate prediction. At the same time, the Government is about to push many vapers back to smoking by banning flavours. Vaping is proven to lower cancer rates when compared to smoking, yet, the Government is intent on pursuing this policy despite the warning from the IKNL.

IKNL predicts that 1.4 million people will have had a cancer diagnosis in 2032. This equals 7.5% of the projected population of 18.5 million in 2032. According to the agency, reducing smoking rates is one of the key measures to prevent this. According to the World Vapers’ Alliance, this can only be achieved by fully embracing tobacco harm reduction and actively encouraging smokers to switch to less harmful alternatives such as vaping.

Michael Landl, director of the World Vapers’ Alliance, said:

“1.4 million cancer cases in 2032 are an alarming prediction, and we must do everything we can to avoid this. Unfortunately, the Government isn’t helping with its plan to ban vaping flavours. Such a ban could push 260,000 Dutch vapers back to smoking. Vaping is substantially less harmful, and flavours are essential for smoking cessation. Vaping must be embraced as in the UK instead of being fought. The Government must finally listen to science and consumers, or we will see a public health disaster.”

Last week the second consultation about a potential flavour ban closed, again showing consumers are worried about the negative consequences of such a ban. The consultation received more than 1,500 submissions even though it is already the second one on the subject.

“Taking flavours away would push vapers back to smoking while discouraging current smokers from quitting. Vaping has helped tens of millions of people worldwide to quit smoking and is 95% less harmful than cigarettes. In light of the incredible response to the public consultation, the Government must listen to the citizens and drop its proposed vape flavour ban immediately,” added Landl.