70 YEARS OF ACTIVITY For Cancer Patients

Israel Cancer Association // Annual Report 2022

The Fight against Smoking

‘World No Tobacco Day’ On May 31st, the Israel Cancer Association along with the World Health Organization (WHO), marked World No Tobacco Day, a global awareness day in the fight against tobacco and nicotine use aimed at emphasizing the health risks associated with smoking and the legislation measures found efficient in reducing the number of smokers. This year, the WHO focused around the destructive impact of smoking on the environment and the climate. According to the organization, smoking is responsible for about 8 million deaths per year, of which about 1 million die of passive smoking. About 8000 people die each year in Israel from the hazards of smoking, of which 800 have never smoked but were exposed to this hazard. Smokers are not the only victims of smoking-related cancer morbidity. Exposing non smokers to passive smoking at home or in public places increases the risk of lung cancer. Moshe Bar Haim , ICA Director General: “The tobacco industry is responsible for compromising the health of millions of people around the world, and is also responsible for harming and contaminating the planet. The fight against smoking affects all of us. In order to eradicate smoking, the expansion of the current legislation has utmost significance.” The Annual School Competition on Tobacco Prevention, in Memory of the Late Dr. Marcus The annual competition on smoking prevention between schools across the country is held annually. This is the second year the competition was held online. The competition was made possible thanks to a collaboration between the ICA, SHEFI (the Education Ministry’s Psychological Services), the Ministry of Health and the Israel Lung Association.

A designated digital site was created especially for the competition, in which all competing videos and posters were uploaded along with extensive information by SHEFI and the ICA. This event brought to a close rich year of activity in schools on the topic of smoking prevention.

An informational video on smoking prevention for schools An informational video was produced with Dr. Liraz Margalit , social psychology expert, explaining the psychology of smoking, what motivates us to buy and smoke a cigarette and the manipulations by the tobacco companies. Dr. Margalit focused on flavored smoking accessories, which create the illusion of a non-harming product, since the flavors are fruity and sweet.

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