Smoking remains a persistent public health challenge in the United States, affecting approximately 25 million adults. Despite progress in reducing smoking rates, many individuals continue to struggle with addiction, often feeling overlooked in public health discussions. A recent white paper from Philip Morris International U.S. (PMI U.S.) titled “The Forgotten Smoker” highlights the need for renewed focus on these individuals.

Understanding the Risks

From a physician’s perspective, smokers are not just statistics; they are patients, parents, workers, veterans, and neighbors. Many have attempted to quit multiple times, understanding the risks but finding it difficult to overcome addiction. The greatest harm from smoking comes from combustion, and smoke-free alternatives generally pose lower health risks than continued smoking.

The FDA recognizes a continuum of risk among tobacco and nicotine products, with cigarettes at the most dangerous end. For those unable to quit nicotine entirely, transitioning to smoke-free products can be a meaningful health intervention.

The Role of the FDA

Despite the potential benefits of smoke-free products, misinformation about nicotine and its risks is widespread. A survey of U.S. healthcare practitioners found that 47% mistakenly believe nicotine is a carcinogen. The FDA has a crucial role in providing clear, evidence-based guidance to clinicians and the public about the relative risks of different tobacco products.

Clinicians are eager for credible tools to help patients move away from cigarettes. The FDA should provide practical, plain-language materials developed with input from practicing physicians. These materials should clarify what the FDA has authorized and how to have evidence-based conversations with adult smokers.

Meeting Smokers Where They Are

Effective public health policy meets people where they are, using the best available evidence. The forgotten smoker has been overlooked for too long. Washington should act on the public’s call for more to be done to reduce smoking-related harm, focusing on populations overrepresented among smokers, such as older Americans and veterans.

By equipping clinicians with the right tools and communicating directly with smokers, policymakers can make significant strides in reducing the health risks associated with smoking.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.