Tobacco kills up to half of its users. Know the facts and support the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) campaign for World No Tobacco Day (31 May 2021).

Tobacco use – the problem

Tobacco use is a common risk factor for many noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), including cardiovascular disease, cancer, chronic respiratory disease, and other diseases including tuberculosis and neurological disorders.

It accounts for up to 8 million deaths every year – including 14% of all NCD deaths among adults aged 30 and over. What’s more, deaths from tobacco use are projected to increase significantly over the coming years. But tobacco use is a preventable risk factor which continues to take too many lives.

We urgently need strong commitment and political will from governments to drive tobacco use control, as well as to stop tobacco industry interference in health policy.

We know of a number of interventions that are both high-impact and cost-effective. These include, but are not limited to:

• Increased taxation on tobacco products
• The creation of smoke-free environments in public spaces
• Evidence-informed health promotion activities and campaigns
• Banning of tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship.

Join UICC for World No Tobacco Day!

UICC has brought together a range of resources and information to promote tobacco control and cessation in their content hub. Check it out!

• Infographics and social banners - Share the graphics

• More funding needed for tobacco control to reduce cancer incidence - Read the news item
• Aligning efforts for effective tobacco control Read the news item
• Proven tobacco control tools are key to a healthy recovery: a call to double down on prevention, making use of legal and regulatory measures we already know are effective. Read the blog!