World leaders urged to 'take tobacco more seriously'

World leaders have been urged to take a more serious stance on tobacco in order to achieve development goals.

A number of experts have contributed towards a new Lancet paper regarding their worries over smoking, with many stating that there should be more of a focus on preventing non-communicable diseases such as cancers, heart disease, strokes, chronic lung diseases and diabetes.

Rates of these kinds of diseases are anticipated to increase dramatically in the coming years.

Sir George Alleyne, Emeritus director of the Pan American Health Organization and contributor to the report, believes that health should not be regarded as a "goal" of development, but rather "an instrument to bring it about".

"Any realistic attempt to make human development sustainable must take NCDs into account. These companies say they’re part of the solution, but the evidence says otherwise.

"They should have no role in formulating health policy. Put it this way – you wouldn’t let a burglar change your locks," Sir George explained to Cancer Research UK.

The Lancet report shows increasing evidence that multinational food, drink and alcohol manufacturers are adopting tactics to undermine public health policies.

Although tobacco is the most significant preventable cause of cancer, the disease is also linked to obesity, high alcohol consumption and poor diet.

Hazel Nunn, Cancer Research UK’s head of evidence and information, welcomed the report, noting that over half of the 12.7 million people diagnosed with cancer every year live in less developed countries.

"This new report is an important and timely reminder to keep non-communicable diseases high on the global political agenda. Just like the other major NCDs, cancer is a social and economic issue as well as a health issue, and requires strong and joined-up action."

Ms Nunn added that the "time may be right" for suppliers of "ultra-processed" food and drinks to mirror the marketing strategies of tobacco providers.