David Khayat, famous French oncologist, in favour of the vape

Professor Khayat, head of the oncology department at the Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, has his doubts about the current effectiveness of the fight against tobacco. Speaking on the radio show “La Matinale” on Radio Classique, the well-known doctor showed his support for e-cigarettes and tobacco heating devices.

According to him, successive increases in the price of a pack of cigarettes has no impact on the habits of French consumers. The strategy, which favours repression, in fact only increases black market sales. As long as countries bordering France maintain lower cigarette prices, it is delusional to think that increasing the price of French cigarettes will reduce cancer rates.

According to Khayat, smokers currently have every incentive to purchase their cigarettes abroad. Legally, they can return with two cartons of cigarettes, which cost half of what they would in France. In some cases, reselling cigarettes purchased abroad can generate significant profits.

A public turnaround in favour of vape products

A few years ago, Doctor Khayat was sceptical about the supposed benefits of vaping. On Radio Classsique, however, he went back on his previous statements. The former advocate of “zero tobacco” now emphasizes the essential role that electronic substitute devices can have in reducing tobacco consumption.

Khayat correctly points out that in the past, smokers had very limited choices between either “smoking or quitting”. Today, however, the conclusions from various independent studies suggest that e-cigarettes and tobacco heating products like IQOS allow for smokers to continue their habit while considerably reducing the risks of developing cancer.

The former doctor of Johnny Hallyday wants the French authorities to become aware of the importance of electronic vaping devices. These products offer a healthier alternative to smokers. According to Professor Khayat, these new technologies should become an essential weapon in the fight against cancer.