In her statement, Prof. Dr. Sevin Başer Öncel said:

“According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), 1.3 billion people worldwide use tobacco products. Eighty percent of tobacco users live in low- and middle-income countries, which are often the primary targets of intensive tobacco industry intervention and marketing. These countries also bear the highest burden of disease and mortality associated with tobacco use. Due to the use of tobacco products (cigarettes, hookahs, electronic cigarettes, roll-your-own tobacco, pipes, cigars, etc.), 8 million people lose their lives globally each year. Tobacco use is a leading cause of lung cancer, as well as the development of other cancers, heart diseases, and numerous respiratory diseases, particularly COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). It is also a serious addiction and a preventable public health issue that leads to various physical, social, and economic consequences.

May 31 is observed with various activities by the World Health Organization to draw attention to the harms of tobacco products, especially their health effects, to encourage and motivate tobacco users to quit, and to raise public awareness about avoiding tobacco use. The World Health Organization has designated the theme of World No Tobacco Day 2026 as ‘Unmasking the Appeal – Fighting Nicotine and Tobacco Addiction.’ In reality, the tobacco industry’s primary target is young people. In recent years, manufacturers have been adding sugar, fruit flavors, and cooling agents to their products to make it easier for children and young people to start smoking. These additives make inhalation easier and mask the harshness of toxic chemicals. Given that children and young people are being targeted today, the WHO selected this year’s theme to encourage awareness and help people keep their distance from these products.”

Prof. Dr. Sevin Başer Öncel: “The best way to quit tobacco is never to start.”

Emphasizing that the health risks associated with tobacco use begin to decline and positive changes start occurring in the body as soon as tobacco use is stopped, Prof. Dr. Başer Öncel continued:

“From the very first day of quitting smoking, changes begin to occur in the lungs and heart. Elevated heart rate, blood pressure, and carbon monoxide levels return to normal, and the immune system gradually becomes stronger. Within 2 to 12 weeks, circulation improves, lung capacity increases, and coughing and shortness of breath decrease. Walking and exercising become easier.

Among the long-term changes after quitting smoking are the following: After 1 year, the risk of a heart attack is reduced by 50 percent compared to someone who continues to smoke. After 5 years, the risk of stroke and the risks of mouth and esophageal cancers decrease significantly, approaching the level of a person who has never smoked. It is never too late to quit smoking. Even if lung cancer has already developed, quitting smoking is associated with better performance, enables patients to receive more effective treatments, and helps extend their lifespan.”