‘We need food and not tobacco,’ says Cansa

“The true cost of tobacco is devastating. The damage extends to the environment, affecting agriculture and food security.”

This was according to the Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa) national health promotion manager Lorraine Govender.

“Also, individuals who stop smoking lower their smoking-related cancer risks effectively, with almost immediate health benefits. Cansa encourages smokers to quit and put their health and the health of others first,” she said.

Her remarks came following World No Tobacco Day during which Cansa affirmed its support of the World Health Organisation’s awareness campaign against tobacco.

Cansa said the time has come to stop the use of tobacco by individuals as well as its cultivation.

The NGO called on the government and policymakers to provide incentives for farmers to switch from tobacco crops to nutritious and sustainable ones.

It also called on the government to provide the resources needed for local tobacco farmers that wish to switch.

Cansa also listed some of the ways that tobacco use negatively affects the environment and people:

– Personal health – smoking is the cause of 17 related illnesses, non-communicable diseases and 14 types of cancer including colorectal, lung and cervical which feature in the top five types of cancer affecting South Africans.

– The economy – Tobacco-related illnesses cost the country’s economy approximately R42-million per year in loss of productivity, healthcare costs and premature deaths.

According to the Global Adult Tobacco Survey 2022, South African smokers spend an average of R263 on cigarettes each month.

– Environmental damage – tobacco farmers harm the environment through deforestation (forests are cut down to make room for tobacco production and fuel for curing tobacco leaves).

These leaves are also damaged by pesticides and other chemicals.

The toxic pesticides spilling into the soil and water systems also waste natural resources.

Cansa supported the The Control of Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems bill currently in parliament.

The organisation has rolled out awareness campaigns at schools and universities, aimed at preventing the start of tobacco use, especially for youths and young adults.

Stakeholders such as the South African Medical Research Council, The National Council Against Smoking, international partners and Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, also support Cansa’s preventative measures.

For more info, visit www.cansa.org.za or contact Cansa care centre on 0800 22 66 22 toll-free or via info@cansa.org.za

READ MORE: WATCH : Health MEC officially opens Key Population Friendly service centre in Tshwane

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