MANILA, Philippines - The World Health Organization (WHO) reminded presidential frontrunner Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III yesterday that his parents both died of illnesses related to exposure to cigarette smoke.
In a statement, Dr. Susan Mercado, regional adviser for the Tobacco-Free Initiative project of WHO-Western Pacific Region, said “smoking is the most important preventable risk factor for the leading cause of death in the Philippines today – cardiovascular disease.”
Aside from this, she claimed that cigarette smoke has also caused “immeasurable suffering among families that are afflicted by cancers and other tobacco-related diseases.”
“The Aquino family was not spared from this – Ninoy Aquino suffered a heart attack. Cory Aquino had colorectal cancer. Both of these conditions have been linked to cigarette smoke exposure,” she noted.
Earlier, the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Alliance Philippines had asked Aquino, a known smoker, to become the poster boy of the government’s anti-tobacco campaigns.
Mercado added that Aquino is one of those born in the ’60s who “grew up in an environment where smoking was the norm – even among role models like priests, doctors, businessmen, scientists, scholars, actors and athletes.”
It is estimated that there are some 17 million Filipinos who smoke. Smoking kills 10 Filipinos every hour.
“Nevertheless, from his public statements it seems that Mr. Aquino is aware that he is not only damaging his own health but is setting a poor example to his fellow countrymen and has expressed a desire to quit,” she said.
Citing the study entitled “Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence: Clinical Practice Guidelines, 2008” published by the United States Public Health Service, Mercado said there are various strategies to effectively convince someone to give up smoking.
These include practical counseling and social support, which are important parts of the treatment; brief advice, rather than constant reminder; nicotine replacement therapy and counseling and medication.
Mercado, however, said that Aquino should not be pressured so much into quitting the habit.
“Smokers have a right to the best information and the best available services to quit in order to protect their health and the health of their loved ones. But at the same time, every patient’s right to privacy in dealing with quitting needs to be respected. This is as true of Noynoy Aquino as it is of everyone else,” she added.