Smoking and health: a physician's responsibility. A statement of the Joint Committee on Smoking and Health. American College of Chest Physicians, American Thoracic Society, Asia Pacific Society of Respirology, Canadian Thoracic Society, European Respiratory Society, International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease

Monaldi Arch Chest Dis. 1995 Oct;50(5):394-7.

Abstract

Tobacco use, particularly cigarette smoking, is a major cause of preventable disease and premature death worldwide. Both smokers and nonsmokers exposed to environmental tobacco smoke are at risk. Cessation of smoking reduces risks. Although the addicting properties of nicotine can make cessation difficult, both medical interventions aimed at helping smokers quit and social policies aimed at control of cigarette smoking can have significant benefits. Physicians should play an active role in control of smoking by ensuring that counselling and pharmacological therapy must be available for the individual smoker. Physicians should also participate in the public debate regarding smoking both individually and through medical organizations. As smoking represents a threat to the public health, physicians must take a strong and active role seeking its control.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Child
  • Health Promotion
  • Humans
  • Physician's Role*
  • Physician-Patient Relations
  • Public Health*
  • Smoking Cessation
  • Smoking Prevention
  • Smoking*
  • Social Responsibility
  • Tobacco Smoke Pollution
  • Tobacco Use Disorder / prevention & control

Substances

  • Tobacco Smoke Pollution