Growing up in the United Kingdom, smoking cigarettes was a common sight. From relatives, friends, and even strangers on the street, tobacco smoke filled the air and was a part of everyday life. However, as I got older and more aware of the harm that cigarettes can cause, I realized that this seemingly innocent habit is actually a major health issue in the UK.

The UK has a long history with tobacco, dating back to the 16th century when it was introduced by Sir Walter Raleigh. It quickly gained popularity and by the 19th century, cigarette smoking became more prevalent. During World War I and II, cigarettes were even included in rations for soldiers, further normalizing the habit.

However, by the mid-20th century, the negative health effects of smoking started to become more widely known. In 1962, the Royal College of Physicians published a groundbreaking report on the link between smoking and lung cancer. This led to the introduction of health warnings on cigarette packages in 1965, which read “SMOKING CAUSES LUNG CANCER.”

In 2007, the UK became the first country in the world to ban smoking in enclosed public spaces, such as bars, restaurants, and workplaces. This was a huge step towards reducing the harm caused by secondhand smoke, but it also brought to light the effects of smoking on the individual.

Today, cigarette smoking is the leading cause of preventable death and illness in the UK. According to Cancer Research UK, around 78,000 deaths each year are caused by smoking, with an estimated cost of £14.7 billion to the National Health Service (NHS).

One of the main reasons for this high number of smoking-related deaths is due to the addictive nature of cigarettes. Most cigarettes contain nicotine, a highly addictive chemical that keeps smokers coming back for more. Each cigarette also contains thousands of other chemicals, including tar, carbon monoxide, and formaldehyde, which have serious health consequences.

Not only does smoking greatly increase the risk of lung cancer, it also causes a variety of other health issues such as heart disease, stroke, respiratory problems, and various types of cancer. The effects of smoking are not limited to just the smoker, as secondhand smoke can also lead to these same health issues in non-smokers.

Despite the known risks, cigarettes are still easily accessible and heavily marketed in the UK. Walk into any convenience store or supermarket and you will find a wide selection of cigarette brands and flavors. This is especially concerning as studies have shown that flavored cigarettes, such as menthol and fruit-flavored, are more attractive to young people and can lead to earlier initiation of smoking.

Furthermore, the tobacco industry spends billions of pounds each year on marketing and advertising to target potential new smokers, often using tactics that appeal to youth, such as using social media influencers and sponsoring events. This constant bombardment of pro-smoking messages can make it difficult for individuals, especially young people, to resist the temptation to try cigarettes.

In addition, the UK has one of the highest number of smokers in the European Union, with a reported 14.7% of the population being current smokers. This is especially concerning considering that smoking rates have been decreasing in other countries. It is estimated that there are around 7.2 million smokers in the UK, with the majority falling between the ages of 25-34. This highlights the need for more effective measures to discourage smoking amongst young adults.

However, the UK government has taken steps to combat smoking and reduce its prevalence. In 2018, the Tobacco Control Plan was introduced with the aim of creating a smoke-free generation. This includes measures such as increasing the legal smoking age to 21, implementing plain packaging on cigarettes, and introducing annual increases in tobacco taxes. These efforts have been effective in reducing smoking rates, but there is still a long way to go.

As someone who grew up in a society where smoking was the norm, it was difficult for me to break away from that and quit smoking. Like many others, I started smoking in my teenage years, thinking it made me look cool and rebellious. However, as I got older and became more aware of the harmful effects, I made the decision to quit. It was not easy, but with the help of support groups and nicotine replacement therapy, I successfully kicked the habit.

In my opinion, more needs to be done to promote and support smoking cessation in the UK. While measures like the Tobacco Control Plan are a step in the right direction, there needs to be more accessible and affordable resources for individuals who want to quit smoking. This can include increased funding for smoking cessation programs and more education about the dangers of smoking in schools.

In conclusion, cigarettes in the UK have a long and complicated history. While steps have been taken to reduce its prevalence and the harm it causes, more needs to be done. It is important for individuals to be aware of the dangers of smoking and for the government to continue implementing measures to reduce smoking rates and support those who want to quit. As a society, we have to work together to create a smoke-free generation and reduce the number of preventable deaths caused by smoking.