Dr Sharon Nyatsanza – Deputy Director, National Council Against Smoking (NCAS)

On Tuesday, 31 May, countries around the world will mark World No Tobacco Day, which this year highlights the devastating effects of tobacco on our environment. The World Health Organisation’s theme for this year is “Tobacco: Threat to our environment.”  While tobacco is a leading cause of death, illness and impoverishment, tobacco also endangers the environment. The campaign raises awareness among the public on the environmental impact of tobacco – from cultivation, production, distribution and waste. It gives tobacco users yet another reason to quit!

Here’s your chance to ask all your questions live as we chat with the wonderful oncologist Dr Sithembile Ngidi to wrap up Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  Learn about reducing your risk of cancer, how and why smoking causes cancer, signs to watch out for and how to screen for cancer.  Lorraine Govender from CANSA will join the chat to share information on where to go for help and support, and to discuss how the new Tobacco Control Bill will better protect our health. 

See you on Sunday 31^st October at 3pm on Facebook Live @protectournext. 

Click here for more and please share with your networks.    

Tobacco control advocates and health organisations are reacting strongly to the damning report on BAT activities in Africa, British American Tobacco in South Africa: Any Means Necessary, published by global tobacco industry watchdog STOP. BAT activities are further exposed in an investigation by BBC Panorama: Dirty Secrets of the Cigarette Business.   BAT, one of the world’s largest tobacco companies, appears to have crossed the line of ethics and legality to keep people addicted to its products, stifling attempts to reduce tobacco use.  According to the reports, BAT used potentially questionable payments to try to influence tobacco control policies and undermine competitors. The company allegedly paid varying amounts to politicians, journalists, competitors’ staff and more. Analysis of leaked industry documents and court affidavits suggests BAT was engaged in possibly illegal informant networks, state capture and the potential smuggling of its own products in Africa. As is to be expected, BAT has denied the charges. 

Smoking is dangerous for all sexes and ages, and can lead to disease, and even death. But, for women, smoking poses unique challenges. We have all heard the warnings about smoking, especially the increased risk of a number of cancers, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, but we should also be aware of additional health risks for women, such as the impacts on female reproductive health and cervical cancer. Nicotine inhibits oestrogen, with multiple negative effects on women’s health.  And while the serious increased health risks may not seem as tangible to young women who smoke – yellow teeth, foul breath, painful periods and early wrinkles could be.