Close to a third of Luxembourg residents are smokers, study shows

According to the Foundation's survey, the number of smokers increased across all age groups between 2020 and 2021. The rate of smokers in the country is now higher than at any time since 2004., which is a cause for concern, notes the Cancer Foundation.

Last year, 147,500 Luxembourg residents stated that they smoke, which represents close to a third of the population above the age of 16. In light of this number, the Cancer Foundation argues that stricter measures need to be introduced to suppress smoking.

After the smoking rate in Luxembourg had stabilised for a number of years, 2021 saw an undeniable increase across all age groups. Foundation director Lucienne Thommes identified a significant contributor to this tendency: "Over the last two years, the pandemic has been at the centre of attention and driving up consumption, which is also observable in other countries. The same further applies to alcohol."

37% of survey participants aged 18 to 34 stated that they smoke, confirming that people in this age group are most prone to develop a smoking habit. Shishas also remain particularly popular, which may be caused by false presumptions that they are less harmful than other smoking habits.

Director Thommes elaborated: "Although it is true that tobacco is not heated up as much, there are still many substances present that are known to cause cancer. And don't forget, a shisha session equals the smoke of 125 cigarettes."

The Foundation's survey also revealed that 56% of smokers intend to stop. Thommes thus talked about different ways of abandoning the habit: "Every smoker is different, for some it is the nicotine addiction itself, for others the psychological aspect. It is best to consult a professional, which can be done for free at the Foundation. People might also talk to their general practitioner or someone at a hospital, there are enough possibilities."

The Luxembourg Cancer Foundation is most worried about young people starting to smoke, as they often end up fighting the implications of consumption for a long time.

In terms of prevention, the Foundation has a number of propositions, such as preventing people from buying cigarettes at every hour of every day. Furthermore, it is problematic that the tobacco section is often the first thing people see when entering a supermarket.

The Luxembourg Cancer Foundation thus concludes that a combination of measures is needed to adequately protect people from the implications of smoking, as well as passive smoking.