Smoking harms and kills both men and women, but women face unique and even greater health risks from smoking than men.  This Women’s Month, health organisations forming part of the #protectournext partnership, including the National Council Against Smoking (NCAS), the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA), the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) and the Heart and Stroke Foundation of South Africa (HSFSA), are driving awareness of these risks and encouraging women to quit through the Tobacco: The Ugly Truth campaign. 

Tobacco use is the preventable cause of cancer in the world. Estimates suggest that approximately one-third of all cancers are caused by tobacco use. In South Africa, lung cancer features among the top five cancers in the country. 

In support of World Lung Cancer Day on 1 August, the Protect our Next partner organisation, Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) is calling for more awareness and understanding of lung cancer risk factors, particularly smoking, as well as emphasising the importance of screening and early detection.  “The best way to lower your risk of lung cancer is to avoid tobacco smoke completely. It’s never too late to stop smoking, but the sooner you stop, the better,” says Lorraine Govender, National Manager: Health Promotion for CANSA.

As we mark World No Tobacco Day 2021, observed each year on May 31, the National Department of Health, the World Health Organisation (WHO), civil society organisations, medical and nursing associations in South Africa have spoken about what should be done to turn the tide on tobacco harm in South Africa. 

Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla, recognised that the debate on tobacco use is gaining momentum and said that the Department of Health is moving on with the legislative process. “The country is currently battling to reduce COVID-19 deaths, and working hard to flatten the curve of the COVID-19 epidemic. The relationship between COVID-19 and smoking cannot be ignored as both affect the lungs.” 

South Africa’s health organisations partnering in #protectournext, an initiative to drive awareness of tobacco harm and support the implementation of better tobacco control, are calling on smokers to quit for love this February.  Smokers who participate in #quitforlove will receive a sequence of motivational tips, guidance, access to whatsapp support groups and the SA Quitline as they go through a 21-day process. There are also weekly rewards and a smoke-free dinner date experience up for grabs.