Sweden Records the Lowest Lung Cancer Rates in Europe with Just 5% Smoking Prevalence
Women in Sweden Still Prefer Traditional Cigarettes .. and a National Association Advocates for Snus Consumers
Sweden's Traditional Nicotine Habit Evolves into the World's Leading Smoke-Free Alternative: Snus
'Sada El Balad' participated in a three-day press tour in Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, to explore the country's advanced approach to smoke-free alternatives and its pioneering role in the transformation of nicotine consumption. The visit included a tour of Swedish Match's laboratories and historical museum, where the company's long heritage was showcased. Established over 150 years ago as a matchstick manufacturer, Swedish Match has since evolved to become a global leader in smoke-free products like snus and nicotine pouches. The museum also displayed vintage matchbox artwork from around the world, including designs created especially for Egypt.
During the visit, Sada El Balad reviewed research on smoking rates in Sweden, which remain among the lowest in Europe, with only 5% of the population currently smoking. Most of these users have switched to less harmful alternatives like snus and nicotine pouches, making Sweden a model for smoke-free societies. One of the unique aspects of the Swedish model is the existence of a non-profit consumer association dedicated to supporting snus users and ensuring product transparency. The association plays an active role in overseeing the production conditions of snus and supporting research efforts, despite snus being legally approved in other countries such as the United States.
According to researchers interviewed during the tour, Sweden has the lowest incidence in Europe of cancers typically linked to smoking, including lung, oral, esophageal, and stomach cancers. Experts attribute these figures to the country's low smoking rate, and more importantly, the wide adoption of smoke-free, less harmful alternatives like snus and nicotine pouches. These products have been authorized by several international regulatory bodies, most notably the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
According to data reviewed by "Sada Elbalad", the percentage of women smoking traditional smoking products (cigarettes) is higher than the percentage of men smoking them in Sweden. Sweden has a long history of dealing with alternative smoke-free products designed in various forms, the history of which was examined during a visit to the Swedish Match Museum in the capital. It was a prevalent type used by Swedes several centuries ago, and work was done to develop it as a less dangerous alternative to cigarettes in the recent period.
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See - Sada Elbalad
5 days ago
- See - Sada Elbalad
Sweden Leads Europe in Smoke-Free Innovation
Israa Farhan During a recent visit to Sweden, Sada El Balad met with several experts and industry professionals specializing in the development of smoke-free products and better alternatives to traditional cigarettes. The delegation toured multiple production sites and scientific facilities committed to research and innovation in less harmful nicotine alternatives and smoke-free alternatives to traditional cigarettes. One of the main stops was at the labs of Swedish Match—now a subsidiary of Philip Morris International (PMI)—which produces snus and nicotine pouches such as ZYN. Experts explained the rigorous quality assurance processes used to test these products, including their exposure to varying levels of heat, humidity, and pressure to simulate different global climates. This ensures the consistency and reliability of the product's nicotine delivery while maintaining its quality across international markets. Among those interviewed was Samuel Lundell, Chairman of the National Association of Snus Users in Sweden. He explained that snus and nicotine pouches offer adult smokers a less harmful alternative to smoking. These products still deliver nicotine but in a different form and with reduced risk. He pointed out that the design of nicotine pouches has evolved over time, with smaller, more discreet sizes that appeal especially to women, many of whom previously preferred the aesthetics of traditional smoking. The latest flavors and pouch designs aim to support female smokers in their journey to switch to less harmful alternatives, offering both ease of use and better health outcomes. Lundell added that the main mission of the association is to protect the rights of snus and nicotine pouch users. 'The association is fully independent,' he said, 'funded exclusively by its members. We do not accept financial support from tobacco companies or government institutions to preserve our freedom of speech and defend consumer rights effectively.' In another discussion, Dr. Anders Milton, former CEO and President of the Swedish Medical Association, emphasized that the number of smoking-related cancers is declining in Sweden among consumers of alternative smoking products, particularly nicotine pouches and snus. Several studies have found that the incidence of cancers in the human organs involved in alternative smoking (mouth, esophagus, lungs, and stomach) in Sweden is lower than in all other European countries, especially since there has been concern about the direct absorption of nicotine from these products through the mouth, passing through the throat and reaching the stomach. Milton continued, "We have not found any negative impact in the form of increased cancer rates among smokers of less harmful alternative products. Although smoking rates are generally low, the incidence of cancer remains lower than in all European countries, and lower than the average rates in the European Union." The visit concluded with a meeting with Patrik Hildingsson, Director Oral Category Communications at Philip Morris International. Hildingsson revealed that PMI has invested nearly $14 billion in scientific research since 2008 to develop and validate smoke-free, less harmful alternatives to traditional tobacco products. He noted that several of PMI's smoke-free products have received regulatory authorizations from health authorities in various countries, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). He added that Swedish Match was acquired by Philip Morris International about two years ago, and is distinguished by its alternative products of snus and nicotine pouches. It operates three facilities in Sweden dedicated to the production and development of nicotine pouches and snus, including three manufacturing sites and three flagship stores serving a diverse customer base. These stores also support product customization and flavor innovation to better suit consumer preferences. 'Sweden has one of the lowest smoking rates in Europe,' Hildingsson concluded, 'and a large percentage of nicotine users have transitioned to smoke-free alternatives. This has had a tangible impact on public health, as Sweden now reports the lowest incidence of smoking-related diseases across the continent. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters Arts & Culture "Jurassic World Rebirth" Gets Streaming Date News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia Business Egyptian Pound Undervalued by 30%, Says Goldman Sachs Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Arts & Culture South Korean Actress Kang Seo-ha Dies at 31 after Cancer Battle Arts & Culture Lebanese Media: Fayrouz Collapses after Death of Ziad Rahbani Sports Get to Know 2025 WWE Evolution Results
See - Sada Elbalad
5 days ago
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Sweden Records the Lowest Lung Cancer Rates in Europe with Just 5% Smoking Prevalence
Amna Abdelazem Women in Sweden Still Prefer Traditional Cigarettes .. and a National Association Advocates for Snus Consumers Sweden's Traditional Nicotine Habit Evolves into the World's Leading Smoke-Free Alternative: Snus 'Sada El Balad' participated in a three-day press tour in Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, to explore the country's advanced approach to smoke-free alternatives and its pioneering role in the transformation of nicotine consumption. The visit included a tour of Swedish Match's laboratories and historical museum, where the company's long heritage was showcased. Established over 150 years ago as a matchstick manufacturer, Swedish Match has since evolved to become a global leader in smoke-free products like snus and nicotine pouches. The museum also displayed vintage matchbox artwork from around the world, including designs created especially for Egypt. During the visit, Sada El Balad reviewed research on smoking rates in Sweden, which remain among the lowest in Europe, with only 5% of the population currently smoking. Most of these users have switched to less harmful alternatives like snus and nicotine pouches, making Sweden a model for smoke-free societies. One of the unique aspects of the Swedish model is the existence of a non-profit consumer association dedicated to supporting snus users and ensuring product transparency. The association plays an active role in overseeing the production conditions of snus and supporting research efforts, despite snus being legally approved in other countries such as the United States. According to researchers interviewed during the tour, Sweden has the lowest incidence in Europe of cancers typically linked to smoking, including lung, oral, esophageal, and stomach cancers. Experts attribute these figures to the country's low smoking rate, and more importantly, the wide adoption of smoke-free, less harmful alternatives like snus and nicotine pouches. These products have been authorized by several international regulatory bodies, most notably the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). According to data reviewed by "Sada Elbalad", the percentage of women smoking traditional smoking products (cigarettes) is higher than the percentage of men smoking them in Sweden. Sweden has a long history of dealing with alternative smoke-free products designed in various forms, the history of which was examined during a visit to the Swedish Match Museum in the capital. It was a prevalent type used by Swedes several centuries ago, and work was done to develop it as a less dangerous alternative to cigarettes in the recent period. read more Analysis- Turkey Has 0 Regional Allies... Why? Analysis: Russia, Turkey... Libya in Return For Syria? Analysis: Who Will Gain Trump's Peace Plan Fruits? Analysis: Will Turkey's Erdogan Resort to Snap Election? Analysis: What Are Turkey's Aspirations in Iraq? Opinion & Analysis Analysis: Mercenaries In Libya... Who Should Be Blamed? Opinion & Analysis Analysis- How 'Libya Nightmare' Takes Erdogan to Algiers Opinion & Analysis Analysis: What Happens After Brexit? Opinion & Analysis Analysis: Strategic Significance of Libya's Sirte, Jufra! News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters Arts & Culture "Jurassic World Rebirth" Gets Streaming Date News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia Business Egyptian Pound Undervalued by 30%, Says Goldman Sachs Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Arts & Culture South Korean Actress Kang Seo-ha Dies at 31 after Cancer Battle Arts & Culture Lebanese Media: Fayrouz Collapses after Death of Ziad Rahbani Sports Get to Know 2025 WWE Evolution Results
Al-Ahram Weekly
17-07-2025
- Al-Ahram Weekly
World-first IVF trial reduces risk of babies inheriting diseases - Health - Life & Style
Eight healthy babies have been born in the UK using a new IVF technique that successfully reduced their risk of inheriting genetic diseases from their mothers, the results of a world-first trial said Wednesday. The findings were hailed as a breakthrough which raises hopes that women with mutations in their mitochondrial DNA could one day have children without passing debilitating or deadly diseases on to the children. One out of every 5,000 births is affected by mitochondrial diseases, which cannot be treated, and include symptoms such as impaired vision, diabetes and muscle wasting. In 2015, Britain became the first country to approve an in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) technique that uses a small amount of healthy mitochondrial DNA from the egg of a donor -- along with the mother's egg and father's sperm. Some have called the result of this process "three-parent babies", though researchers have pushed back at this term because only roughly 0.1 percent of the newborn's DNA comes from the donor. The results of the much-awaited UK trial were published in several papers in the New England Journal of Medicine. 'Important reproductive option' Out of 22 women to undergo the treatment at the Newcastle Fertility Centre in northeast England, eight babies were born. The four boys and four girls now range from under six months to over two years old. The amount of mutated mitochondrial DNA -- which causes disease -- was reduced by 95-100 percent in six of the babies, according to the research. For the other two newborns, the amount fell by 77-88 percent, which is below the range that causes disease. This indicates the technique was "effective in reducing transmission" of diseases between mother and child, one of the studies said. The eight children are currently healthy, though one had a disturbance of their heart's rhythm which was successfully treated, the researchers said. Their health will be followed up over the coming years to see if problems arise. Nils-Goran Larsson, a Swedish reproductive expert not involved in the research, hailed the "breakthrough". The new technique offers a "very important reproductive option" for families affected by "devastating" mitochondrial diseases, he added. Ethical review Mitochondrial donation remains controversial and has not been approved in many countries, including the United States and France. Religious leaders have opposed the procedure because it involves the destruction of human embryos. Other opponents have expressed fears it could pave the way for genetically engineered "designer babies". An ethical review carried out by the UK's independent Nuffield Council on Bioethics was "instrumental" in conducting the new research, the council's director Danielle Hamm said Wednesday. Peter Thompson, head of the UK's Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority which approved the procedure, said only people with a "very high risk" of passing on a mitochondrial disease would be eligible for the treatment. Ethical concerns have also been raised over the use of mitochondrial donation for infertility in Greece and Ukraine. French mitochondrial disease specialist Julie Stefann told AFP that "it is a question of the risk-benefit ratio: for a mitochondrial disease, the benefit is obvious". "In the context of infertility, it has not been proven," she added. Oxford University reproductive genetics expert Dagan Wells observed that "some scientists will be a little disappointed that so much time and effort has, so far, only led to the birth of eight children". Among the children being closely monitored are three that showed some signs of what is known as "reversal", which is still little understood. It is "a phenomenon where the therapy initially succeeds in producing an embryo with very few defective mitochondria, but by the time the child is born the proportion of abnormal mitochondria in its cells has significantly increased," he explained. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
