A recent large-scale study conducted by the American Cancer Society (ACS) has shed light on the increased mortality risks associated with smoking menthol cigarettes compared to non-menthol cigarettes. The study, published in the journal Tobacco Control, revealed that individuals who smoke menthol cigarettes face higher risks of death from any cause and cardiovascular diseases, particularly heart diseases.
The research findings indicated that individuals who had quit smoking and those who smoked at high intensities experienced elevated mortality risks. Notably, Black participants who currently smoked menthol cigarettes showed an 88% increased risk of mortality from certain heart diseases compared to those who smoked non-menthol cigarettes. However, the study also highlighted that quitting smoking significantly reduced health risks associated with both types of cigarettes.
Dr. Priti Bandi, the scientific director of risk factors and screening research at the American Cancer Society and lead author of the study, emphasized the urgent need for regulatory measures to address the public health threat posed by menthol cigarettes. Dr. Bandi highlighted the role of menthol in increasing smoking uptake and reducing smoking cessation, calling for action to save lives by regulating menthol cigarettes in the U.S. and globally.
The study followed nearly a million individuals from the Cancer Prevention Study II cohort over a six-year period to assess mortality outcomes based on smoking status and the menthol flavor of cigarettes. Participants who reported smoking menthol brands had higher mortality risks compared to those who smoked non-menthol brands, with quitting smoking being a key factor in reducing these risks.
While the study reinforced the harmful effects of smoking, regardless of the type of cigarettes used, it also emphasized the importance of quitting smoking to reduce the risk of premature death and disease. Policy recommendations to support smoking cessation efforts and prevent tobacco addiction among youth and young adults were underscored as essential by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN).
The study’s authors, including Dr. Bandi and a team of ACS researchers, called for comprehensive tobacco control policies, including the end of menthol cigarette sales and flavored tobacco products, increased funding for tobacco prevention and cessation programs, and the implementation of smoke-free laws and tobacco tax increases.
In conclusion, the study’s findings underscore the urgent need for regulatory action to address the unique mortality risks associated with menthol cigarettes. By prioritizing smoking cessation and implementing evidence-based tobacco control policies, policymakers can help reduce the burden of smoking-related diseases and save lives. The ACS’s advocacy efforts aim to support individuals in quitting smoking and prevent tobacco addiction, ultimately contributing to a healthier future for all.
