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Jim McGinty


Sun 02 July, 2006

Cigarettes and alcohol a deadly combination.

Portfolio: Health

02/07/06

People who drink and smoke have a greater risk of developing head and neck cancer, according to a new report released by the Australian Council on Smoking and Health today.

Health Minister Jim McGinty said the report, which comes just 30 days before smoking is banned inside all pubs and clubs, should serve as a timely catalyst for smokers who enjoyed a drink to kick the habit.

The ACOSH report showed the risk of developing head and neck carcinoma was up to five times higher in people who drank and smoked heavily than in people who only smoked or only consumed alcohol.

Head and neck carcinoma is the sixth most common cancer worldwide.

The report, carried out by researchers from the School of Population Health at The University of Western Australia, also stated that most cancer deaths caused by alcohol could be avoided if the person did not smoke.

“What this report shows is that the combination of smoking and drinking can be deadly,” Mr McGinty said.

“But there is a substantial reduction in the risk of developing cancer for people who drink in moderation and do not smoke.

“The message really could not be simpler. If you want to enjoy a drink and a long and healthy life, do not smoke.”

From July 31, smoking will be banned inside all pubs and clubs throughout WA.

The Minister said the ban was to protect the health of all Western Australians who patronised or worked in pubs and clubs.

“The health risks from smoking are widely known, as are the risks associated with second hand smoke,” he said.

“With just a month to go before pubs and clubs go smoke-free, now is a good time to quit the cigarettes and reduce the chances of developing head and neck cancer.”

Mr McGinty said research conducted by the Victorian Centre for Behavioural Research in Cancer found that 25 per cent of smokers would quit if smoking were banned in social venues.

This equated to an estimated 62,500 smokers who were likely to quit in WA once pubs and clubs go smoke-free on July 31.

The smoking bans would also mean an estimated 20,000 employees would no longer be exposed to hazardous second hand smoke within the inside areas of all pubs, clubs and nightclubs.

As well as the smoking bans, new provisions under the Tobacco Control Act will come into effect from July 31 this year to reduce the availability of tobacco products to minors and further diminish the influences of tobacco advertising.

The provisions of the Act to take effect from July 31 this year will:
  • require retailers to check for ID when selling tobacco products;
  • restrict the sale of tobacco papers, pipes and other tobacco smoking implements to people under 18;
  • double the penalties for people caught selling cigarettes to children;
  • restrict cigarette vending machines to licensed premises and mine sites only;
  • prohibit hawkers of tobacco products;
  • ban the advertising of price discounting on tobacco products; and
  • regulate the sale and promotion of herbal cigarettes and prohibit the sale of confectionary and toys which resemble cigarettes.
In addition, new licensing-related provisions to take effect from February 2007 would require anyone who sells tobacco products to be licensed, ban point of sale advertising and limit displays of cigarettes to one square metre.

“Research shows that smoking accounts for about 19,000 deaths in Australia each year with about 1,500 of those deaths in WA,” Mr McGinty said.

“WA is leading the nation when it comes to combating smoking, with the most comprehensive tobacco control laws in Australia.”

Minister's office - 9220 5000



Page last revised:25 Mar 2008