The Cancer Council of Western Australia has launched a moving advertisement to commemorate 25 years of their “Make Smoking History” initiative, conveying a vital message: while quitting smoking is challenging, the emotional pain inflicted on family members is far worse. The campaign, “How To Tell You,” highlights the devastating impact of smoking on families, depicted in a heartrending scene where a son learns his father needs half of his tongue removed due to smoking-related health issues. Ashley Reid from the Cancer Council underscores the difficulty of conveying such distressing news to loved ones.
In Western Australia, tobacco use results in nearly 13,000 hospital admissions and over 1,500 fatalities each year. Since the campaign’s inception in 2000, smoking rates have significantly dropped, from 24% in 2002 to 10.9% now, attributed to increased awareness of smoking dangers in public spaces, which have largely gone smoke-free. However, another challenge has surfaced with the rise of vaping, presenting new health risks associated with nicotine and harmful toxins. The Cancer Council cautions against the enticing, fruit-flavoured vapes, urging awareness of their dangers.