2024 - Smoking and alcohol are the biggest risk factors

The Federal Center for Health Education (BZgA) in Germany and the Drug Commissioner Burkhard Blienert (SPD) warned of the risks of smoking and alcohol on the occasion of World Cancer Day. Smoking is the most important avoidable risk factor for the development of cancer, they said in a joint statement on Tuesday. In 2020, the cancers of the respiratory tract, which are often caused by smoking, were the most common deadly type of cancer in Germany – more than 46,000 people died from it.

More than 20,000 cancers due to alcohol consumption

Alcohol can also cause cancer. In Germany, more than 20,000 cancer cases per year can be traced back to the consumption of alcohol. Smokers who drink alcohol at the same time are particularly at risk of developing cancer. In particular, the combination of alcohol consumption and smoking causes cancers of the upper respiratory tract and upper digestive tract, such as cancer of the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx and esophagus.

Lung cancer is one of the most dangerous types of cancer

With 3,200 deaths per year in Switzerland, lung cancer is one of the most dangerous types of cancer. This is mainly due to the fact that in many cases it is discovered too late. Detected early, there is a good chance that it can be cured.

More prevention

Blienert referred to the goal agreed in the coalition for more prevention, especially for children, young people and pregnant women, as well as the planned more restrictive measures in advertising and sponsorship. “These are important projects in terms of youth and health protection, which we have to comply with in this legislature.” The acting director of the Federal Center for Health Education, Martin Dietrich, explained that not smoking and abstaining from alcohol are “the best choice to prevent cancer”.

World Cancer Day is celebrated on February 4th every year. This year’s motto is “Closing supply gaps”. The International Union Against Cancer (UICC) campaign aims to close fundamental gaps in cancer care worldwide and to create equal access to screening and treatment for all. (AFP)

Smoking is so dangerous!

Although smoking remains the greatest avoidable health risk, almost a billion people around the world smoke regularly. A current study, for which scientists evaluated several large databases, now shows that every tenth smoker dies as a result of tobacco consumption.