Tobacco

Last updated on: 09/30/2010

In France, the number of tobacco-related deaths is estimated at 60,000, of which 37,000 are related to cancer (InVS data, 2009). Tobacco use is related to cancers of the lungs, as well as cancers of the upper aerodigestive tracts (mouth, larynx, pharynx, oesophagus), the bladder and the pancreas. It is also linked with cancers of the urinary tracts and kidneys, the stomach, the cervix and certain types of leukaemia.

Tobacco and Cancer: General Data

Tobacco consumption is the main cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide and in France. There is a clearly-established link between tobacco use and several forms of high mortality cancers. The 2003-2007 Cancer Plan helped to revitalise the fight against tobacco by dedicating nine of its 70 measures to this issue. The 2009-2013 Cancer Plan is continuing in the same vein, with objectives to reduce the prevalence of tobacco use and the number of existing tobacco use incentives, while taking social and regional inequalities into account. Bans, taxes, quit support, information, education and communication are the key drivers of the anti-tobacco strategy. Since 2000, the majority of indicators have shown a downward trend followed by a stabilisation in levels of tobacco use in France. The percentage of smokers in France has not fallen to the target of 20% set by the WHO. Efforts in this area must be continued and strengthened to reduce the prevalence of the main cancer risk factor and to ensure that this reduction is sustained over the long term.

•  Fiche repère Cancers et tabac (265 Ko)
•  Fiche repère Cancers et tabac chez les femmes (4.4 MB)

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Information Concerning Various Tobacco Control Policies

In 2004, France ratified the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). This is the first public health treaty that stresses the importance of reducing demand for tobacco products as well as reducing availability. This Convention proposes a range of anti-tobacco use measures (price increases, health warnings, etc.), some of which – such as the banning of smoking in public places – have already been applied in France. The 2003-2007 Cancer Plan helped to revitalise the fight against tobacco and the 2009-2013 Cancer Plan continues in the same vein, with the objective of reducing the prevalence of tobacco use and existing tobacco use incentives.

•  Point sur les données relatives à l’impact potentiel de paquets de cigarettes neutres sur le tabagisme (55.97 kB)
•  Questions-réponses sur l’impact des avertissements sanitaires graphiques sur les produits du tabac (84.29 kB)
• Lire l'article sur la fiscalité des produits du tabac
• L'INPES publie, en collaboration avec l'INCa et l'Université de Waterloo, les résultats de l'étude ITC France (International Tobacco Control Policy Evaluation Project) : Evaluation des politiques de lutte contre le tabagisme en France.

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Answers to your questions about tobacco and tobacco use practices

The most usual tobacco consumption involves manufactured cigarettes. However, there are other types of use that may give the impression of being able to smoke, if not safely, then at least with less risk. INCa has published a range of documents (in question and answer format) that outline the current state of knowledge about these subjects.

 Fiche repère Risques de cancers et produits du tabac « sans fumée » ( 598 Ko)

 Fiche repère La chicha et risques pour la santé (891 Ko)

 Fiche repère Risque de cancers et cannabis (1.3 MB)

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Second-hand Smoke

Although the dangers of second-hand smoke have long been underestimated, these dangers are now proven and widely recognised. Tobacco smoke contains a number of toxic substances that are harmful not only to smokers but also to those around them who breathe in these substances. As well as the discomfort that it causes, second-hand smoke increases the risk of sudden infant death, respiratory infections, especially among children, cardio-vascular diseases and certain types of cancer, particularly cancers of the lungs, sinuses and the face and breast cancers among pre-menopausal women. The effect increases with the duration and intensity of exposure to second-hand smoke. Although the risks of second-hand smoke are less severe than for actual smokers, the risks are very real. As a result of these scientific data, the public authorities have introduced regulations to prohibit tobacco use in public places (decree of 15th November 2006)

 Fiche repère Cancers et tabagisme passif (350 Ko)

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Tobacco and Cancer Worldwide

The WHO estimates that there are 5.4 million tobacco-related deaths worldwide each year. If the current trend continues, this figure may reach 8 million by 2030, with almost 80% of these deaths occurring in developing countries. Faced with this epidemic, the WHO adopted the « WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control », which France ratified in 2004.

•  Fiche repère Tabac et cancers dans le monde (3.53 MB)

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