Lung cancer: political measures.

In countries where prolonged smoking of manufactured cigarettes is a widely established habit, it is responsible for about 90% of lung cancer. As lung cancer is usually incurable, even with expensive technology, the key to its control lies in prevention. World experience has shown the crucial need for government commitment, funding and action in controlling the epidemic of tobacco-related disease. It is recommended that each country establish a national council of 'tobacco or health' to coordinate a comprehensive tobacco control programme. This programme should incorporate data collection, including evaluation of specific anti-tobacco measures; legislative measures, including strong, rotating health warnings, limits on harmful substances, establishment of smoke-free areas, bans on any new forms of tobacco use, and a total ban on all direct or indirect promotion of tobacco products; health education campaigns; and taxation and price policies. The support and involvement of the medical profession is vital. Obstacles to success include the effect of advertising revenue in silencing the media, the inertia of governments and the medical profession, but most importantly the tobacco industry--the largest, wealthiest, most determined and strongest opposition to tobacco control worldwide.