Sir, - The Irish Cancer Society strongly refutes claims made by Gallahers tobacco manufacturers in your newspaper (July 10th) that tobacco is not a direct cause of lung cancer. This suggestion is extremely misleading. We are happy to identify reliable scientific research which confirms that 90 per cent of lung cancers, and one-third of all cancers, are directly attributable to smoking in Ireland. Sadly, 6,000 Irish people die each year due to smoking-related diseases.
Nicotine is a physically and psychologically addictive ingredient in cigarettes, and as a result smoking is not just a habit which people can take up or give up, as Mr Ian Birks claimed. In fact, most smokers make several attempts to quit before they eventually succeed, and some fail to quit despite serious illness and disability which affects their quality of life.
The Irish Cancer Society strongly urges all smokers to quit and we are available for support and encouragement at freefone 1800 200 700. - Yours, etc.,
Norma Cronin,
Tobacco Consultant,
Irish Cancer Society,
Northumberland Road,
Dublin 4.