SMOKING TO BLAME FOR 90% OF LUNG CANCERS

THE Irish Cancer Society strongly refutes claims made by Gallaghers tobacco
manufacturers in The Examiner, July 10, that tobacco is not a direct cause
of lung cancer. This suggestion is extremely misleading.

We are happy to identify reliably scientific research which confirms that
90% of lung cancers, and one third of all cancers, in Ireland are directly
attributable to smoking.

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 97 freefone 1800 200 700.

- - Yours

Norma Cronin, Tobacco Consultant, Irish Cancer Society, 5, Northumberland
Road, Dublin 4

Checked-by: Melodi Cornett