Jamaica Cancer Society Supports Ban on Smoking in Public Places

The Jamaica Cancer Society (JCS) has pledged its full support of the ban on smoking in public places, which came into effect on Monday, July 15.

Addressing the 2013 staging of the Relay for Life Awards Ceremony at the Terra Nova Hotel in Kingston on July 16, Executive Director of the JCS, Yulit Gordon, said the Government must be commended for its commitment to safeguarding the health and wellness of Jamaicans, through the ban on public smoking.

According to Ms. Gordon, the Cancer Society believes the legislation is of great importance, as it promotes a healthy environment, a healthy people and a healthy nation.

“The passing and implementation of the Public Health (Tobacco Regulations) 2013 is a step in the right direction,” she said, noting that most of the cancers are clinically linked to tobacco use.

“Let us challenge the people around us – our families, our co-workers, our friends, the lady from whom we buy our fruits and vegetables, the people at the service station, and people at the hair dresser – to uphold this ban on smoking,” Ms Gordon urged.

The Executive Director noted that the incidence of cancer has been increasing in Jamaica and that there is no longer a narrowed focus on breast and prostate cancers.

Ms. Gordon said there has been a steady increase in lymphoma, cancer of the head, neck and throat, and colon cancer, and that most of the cancers are heavily linked to lifestyle habits.

She is imploring all Jamaicans to start engaging in healthy lifestyle practices, which include physical activity for at least 30 minutes each day as well as the maintenance of a healthy diet.

Established in 1955, the Jamaica Cancer Society is a not-for-profit organisation which has been instrumental in increasing public awareness in Jamaica, in an effort to fight and defeat cancer in all its forms.