This is why cigarette prices have increased in Jordan

Arab Weather - Dr. Munther Al-Hawarat, Assistant Director General for Patient Affairs at the King Hussein Cancer Center, explained the relationship between the high incidence of cancer and the recent government decision to raise cigarette prices in Jordan. He pointed out that smoking is a major cause of many cancers such as lung, bladder, throat and mouth cancer, with lung cancer patients accounting for 25% of cancer cases registered in Jordan. Al-Hawarat warned of an increase in cancer rates in the coming years, especially lung cancer, expecting cases to reach 20,000 by 2040, which means doubling medical capabilities to treat patients.

Electronic cigarettes and their dangerous effects

Al-Hawarat also warned against electronic smoking, noting that it causes serious and fatal health problems faster than traditional cancers. He stressed the danger of this phenomenon, especially among young people under the age of 18.

• Cost of cancer treatment in Jordan

Al-Hawarat pointed out that the cost of cancer treatment in Jordan currently stands at 350 million dinars, and is expected to rise to 500 million by 2030, and may reach one billion dinars by 2040. He pointed out that the main cost is not only in treatment or hospitals, but in the loss of the person himself.

• The impact of raising tobacco prices

Regarding the decision to raise cigarette prices, Al-Hawarat explained that it does not completely prevent cancer, but it is a big part of the solution. He pointed out that studies have shown that raising cigarette prices reduces the percentage of smokers by 4% to 5% in developed countries, while the percentage drops to 8% in third world countries.

Healthy lifestyle and prevention

The dialogues stressed the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle to prevent cancer, pointing out the importance of early detection, treatment and prevention. He called for exercising, eating healthy food, reducing meat consumption and quitting smoking. He also pointed out that there are 27 centers in Jordan to help citizens quit smoking.

Government decision to raise taxes on tobacco

The government announced an amendment to the tobacco tax as part of the national anti-smoking strategy, with the decision coming into effect on September 12, 2024. The decision aims to reduce the spread of smoking in all its forms, especially electronic smoking among children.

See also:

Jerash, the city of a thousand columns... Discover the most prominent features of the governorate

Russian expert: Coronavirus has become seasonal