In partnership with the National Committee for Combatting Cancer, the Ministry of Public Health launched the National Lung Cancer Awareness Campaign, titled “With Every Breath… You Lose a Breath,” at 9:00 am on Friday, November 21, in the presence of Minister of Public Health Rakan Nassereddine, Head of the committee tasked with monitoring the implementation of the National Cancer Plan Dr. Arafat Tfayli, and Chairman of Sabbah Brothers production company Mr. Anwar Sadek Al-Sabbah.
The campaign focuses on the dangers of smoking in all its forms, including traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes, hookahs, and secondhand smoke, with studies showing that smoking is responsible for more than 80% of lung cancer cases worldwide. The campaign aims to raise awareness, encourage smoking cessation, and reduce exposure to secondhand smoke to protect public health.
In his address, Minister Nassereddine emphasized the need to multiply awareness efforts, particularly among youth and younger age groups, highlighting the crucial role of family, school, and media in combating this growing scourge. He also called for stricter enforcement of Law No. 174 on tobacco control and commitment to the ban on smoking in public places. Moreover, he underlined the ministry’s commitment to continuing work to raise awareness on one hand, and secure lung cancer tests and treatments on the other, in support of patients and in service of public health.
For his part, Dr. Tfayli underlined that combating cancer remains a national priority, explaining that the Ministry is working on:
·Developing a school-based educational program to raise awareness about the dangers of smoking
·Improving lung cancer screening tests
·Establishing a tobacco control union
·Continuing coordination with primary healthcare centers across Lebanon
He also stressed that awareness campaigns are key in the efforts aimed at reducing infection rates.
For his part, Mr. Al-Sabbah highlighted the role of art and media in spreading awareness, stressing that media is not merely a channel for news, but rather a bridge connecting official initiatives to the public. He added that backing the state’s efforts in protecting the society from the dangers of smoking is a joint responsibility.
According to the global health indicators, more than 2.2 million new lung cancer cases and approximately 1.8 million deaths are recorded annually. In Lebanon, health indicators reveal an alarming rise in lung cancer rates. This is clearly linked to the increased consumption of various types of tobacco and the prevalence of smoking in public places. Lebanon ranks third in the world in cigarette consumption, while the economic burden of tobacco is estimated at approximately 1.9% of GDP annually.
Experts confirm that secondhand smoke exposes non-smokers, including the children, pregnant women, and the elderly, to almost the same risks. Furthermore, modern tobacco products, such as e-cigarettes, are not safe alternatives and contain substances that can cause serious long-term lung damage. Not smoking tobacco is the best way to prevent lung cancer and protect the close environment from the risks.
