Stop Smoking Pages

From 2003 health warnings written in bigger and bolder lettering were introduced for cigarette packs sold in the UK. These health warnings have to cover at least 30 percent of the front face of the pack, and 40 percent of the back face. This move follows Australia, where it was found that these warnings do have an effect on the way smokers perceive the health risks of smoking, helping them to cut down and give up, with the size of the health warning having a greater effect.

However, Canada has taken this type of warning a step further by introducing health warnings along with dramatic color pictures which cover 50 percent of both the front and the back of packs. Research shows that warnings accompanied by shocking images are even more effective, and the new warnings with pictures are increasing smokers’ motivation to stop, encouraging smokers to think more about the health effects of smoking, and putting off smokers from taking cigarettes out of the pack. It seems that smokers who had read, thought about and discussed the new labels are more likely to quit, attempted to quit or cut down the number of cigarettes that they smoke.

Researchers from Cancer Research UK tested the Canadian warnings with pictures on European smokers, and found that these were more effective in getting smokers’ attention and getting the message across about the dangers of smoking. On the basis of this and the evidence from Canada, and also Brazil where color photograph warnings have also recently been introduced, Cancer Research UK is recommending that the UK makes use of color images on packs mandatory.

Cancer Research UK considers it important that the pictures are accompanied by supportive messages, such as publicizing smoking cessation services.

Filed under: Tobacco packaging