### The Current State of Smoking in France
As 2019 begins, many individuals are setting resolutions, with quitting smoking being a common goal. Despite a 10% decrease in cigarette sales in France in 2018, smoking remains a significant public health issue. In 2017, one-third of French adults were regular smokers, according to Santé Publique France. Smoking continues to be the leading cause of preventable death in France and worldwide.
### Evaluating Anti-Smoking Efforts in France
The start of a new year prompts reflection on the effectiveness of anti-smoking measures. Is France doing enough to combat smoking? What role does the electronic cigarette play in smoking cessation in France and elsewhere? How can cessation methods be better tailored to individual smokers?
### France’s Position Compared to Other European Nations
According to the 2017 Health Barometer, nearly 12 million people aged 18 to 75 in France are regular smokers. France lags behind other European countries like the UK, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Italy in reducing smoking rates.
### National Tobacco Reduction Program: Progress and Challenges
The National Tobacco Reduction Program (PNRT) was launched in 2014, marking a significant public health initiative in France. Although late compared to countries like Australia and the UK, the program is showing initial results. Dr. Ivan Berlin from the Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital in Paris notes the impact of active prevention and treatment reimbursement on reducing daily smokers in France.
### Measures Contributing to Smoking Reduction
Several measures have contributed to the decline in smoking, including increased cigarette prices, the introduction of plain packaging, reimbursement for nicotine patches by health insurance, and the « Month Without Tobacco » campaign. However, the results, while promising, still fall short of expectations. Health professionals must continue to engage in the fight against smoking and find the most suitable cessation methods for each patient.
### The Role of Electronic Cigarettes in Smoking Cessation
Data from the 2017 Health Barometer indicates that electronic cigarettes are the most popular cessation tool among patients (27%), followed by nicotine substitutes (18%) and varenicline. However, unlike in the UK, e-cigarettes are not recommended for smoking cessation in France due to a lack of solid efficacy and safety data. Dr. Ivan Berlin aims to address this gap with the ECSMOKE randomized trial, which will evaluate the effectiveness of e-cigarettes compared to varenicline and a placebo.
### Diverse Methods for Quitting Smoking
In France, while e-cigarettes are not officially recommended, authorities advise against discouraging patients from using them if they wish to quit smoking. This raises the question: are all methods justified in the quest to quit smoking? Each individual must find the method that suits them best, whether it’s e-cigarettes, hypnosis, or other non-recommended methods. Some may choose to quit abruptly, while others prefer a gradual approach.
### Special Considerations for Smoking Cessation
Each case is unique, requiring special precautions for individuals with coronary conditions or leveraging pregnancy as an opportunity for cessation support.
We wish you a smoke-free 2019.
Read the full report on Medscape.
Source: https://francais.medscape.com/voirarticle/3604720