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.

Réamhaisnéisíonn IKNL go mbeidh diagnóis ailse ag 1.4 milliún duine in 2032. Is ionann seo agus 7.5% den daonra réamh-mheasta de 18.5 milliún in 2032. De réir na gníomhaireachta, is ceann de na príomhbhearta chun seo a chosc ná rátaí caitheamh tobac a laghdú. De réir Chomhghuaillíocht Domhanda na nGalaitheoirí Tobac, ní féidir é seo a bhaint amach ach trí ghlacadh go hiomlán le laghdú dochair tobac agus trí spreagadh gníomhach a thabhairt do chaiteoirí tobac aistriú chuig roghanna malartacha nach bhfuil chomh díobhálach amhail galú.

Dúirt Michael Landl, stiúrthóir Chomhghuaillíocht na dTomhaltóirí Domhanda:

“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.