E-Cigarettes: a “phenomenal tool” to quit smoking
Even if the link between smoking tobacco and cancer (throat, lung, etc.) is scientifically proven, smokers are rarely able to quit voluntarily. Quitting smoking is a long process, and smokers need all the help they can get if they hope to succeed.
Doctors are concerned about the increase of cancer rates. Reducing smoking would be one of the most efficient prevention methods. Doctor Alex Bobak, a specialist in tobacco weaning at Wandsworth (United Kingdom), has warned his colleagues that it is essential to avoid direct confrontation with those smokers hoping to quit.
In order to reduce smoking habits, it is useless to simply ask a smoker to stop. He may go into denial, or otherwise lose hope. Quitting is a tall order and it is therefore essential that doctors propose a comprehensive program for quitting, including a dedicated specialist and appropriate pharmaceutical options.
E-cigarettes as a smoking deterrent
At the recent annual RCGP Conference (Royal College of General Practitioners), doctors discussed the use of e-cigarettes to help wean people off cigarettes. E-cigarettes have long been at the heart of controversy, as some specialists believe they are a gateway for tobacco, especially amongst young people.
But for the time being, there seems to be a general consensus around the benefits of e-cigarettes. They would only be used by smokers and former smokers as a means of compensating for tobacco consumption. In addition, studies have shown that e-cigarettes are less harmful to health, even if it is still too early to analyse potential long-term risks.
Today, Doctor Bobak believes the devices are, “A phenomenal tool for quitting smoking, for the simple reason that smokers like e-cigarettes ».
Doctor Linda Bauld, Professor of Health Policy at the University of Stirling, believes the benefits of e-cigarette use would only be interesting if smokers stopped smoking tobacco altogether.
Nonetheless, e-cigarettes are a solid alternative to tobacco. The devices carry minimal health risks and consumers love them.
