Larger Graphic Warnings on Cigarette Packages, Tobacco Control

A comprehensive tobacco control strategy in Uruguay has had great results, according to a report released by the International Tobacco Control Policy Evaluation Project. Here are some symptoms of lung cancer, from the Canadian Cancer Society: -Persistent cough that does not go away or improve, a hoarse voice, coughing up blood -Shortness of breath, wheezing, chronic chest pain (especially when coughing) -Fatigue, weight loss, frequent chest infections Researchers from the Tobacco Epidemic Research Center of Uruguay and the University of Waterloo examined the effectiveness of several tobacco control policies instituted in Uruguay between 2006-2010. These policies included: banning indoor smoking in public places, banning tobacco advertisements, banning the branding of cigarettes as 'light' or 'mild', increasing visual warnings on cigarette packages to cover 80% of the pack, and finally, increasing the graphic nature of these images. Researchers measured whether these policies were successful or not by surveying a representative sample of smokers after each policy change was implemented. Results showed that increasing the size of the graphic warnings resulted in many more smokers noticing the images, as well as making them more likely to think about the health risks of smoking and also, to think about quitting. A significant amount of responders cited these warnings as the main reason they quit smoking. Additionally, banning cigarettes from being branded as 'light' or 'mild' reduced smokers misperceptions on the harms of smoking, while the remaining measures actually increased support among smokers for further tobacco control policies. Today's research demonstrates the enormous impact that comprehensive tobacco control policies can have on changing smoker's attitudes and behaviours.