Events | againstsmoking

COVID-19 makes giving up tobacco even more urgent

COVID-19 makes giving up tobacco even more urgent

While the sale of tobacco has not been banned during the second wave of COVID-19 in South Africa, it remains clear that there has never been a more urgent time to stop using tobacco products. When it comes to COVID-19, smoking and vaping add greatly to the risks, says Dr. Sharon Nyatsanza of the National Council Against Smoking (NCAS). Together with wearing masks, washing hands, and social distancing, key measures for ending the COVID-19 pandemic should include stopping tobac

No more ‘nicoteens’ – SA must act quickly to regulate e-cigarettesAs the focus falls on the youth

No more ‘nicoteens’ – SA must act quickly to regulate e-cigarettesAs the focus falls on the youth

As the focus falls on the youth this Africa Youth Month, health organisations partnering in the #protectournext initiative are focusing on the challenge e-cigarettes or vape products are posing to protecting youth and reducing tobacco use. These products may create a new generation of young nicotine and tobacco users, undermining decades of progress in reducing tobacco use and nicotine addiction, say the National Council Against Smoking (NCAS), CANSA, the SA Medical Research

Teenage girls who smoke are more vulnerable to breast cancer

Teenage girls who smoke are more vulnerable to breast cancer

As the spotlight falls on breast cancer this October, it's time to give our teens even more reason not to light up. Research indicates that adolescent breast tissue is particularly vulnerable to the carcinogenic properties of tobacco. Considering the high incidence of breast cancer in South Africa, (lifetime risk of 1 in 26 women) and the fact that over 16% of young learners smoke, we must find ways to stop girls from becoming hooked on nicotine, says Lorraine Govender of the

Health organisations call for a 100% tobacco tax increase

Health organisations call for a 100% tobacco tax increase

Health organisations forming the #protectournext movement have called for a 100% increase in tobacco tax ahead of the mid-term budget speech next week. A significant increase can make tobacco products less affordable, reducing consumption, improving public health, reducing the already heavy burden on the health system and adding to state revenue, say the National Council Against Smoking (NCAS), CANSA, the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) and the Heart and Strok