Page 17 - Bophelo - Edition Two | March 2025

Men and the Cost of South Africa is facing a silent but deadly challenge, one The Struggle to Quit
that disproportionately impacts men and that is, tobacco
smoking. According to Tobacco Atlas, each year around
As more men start smoking at younger ages, the
42,100 South Africans lose their lives to tobacco-related
challenge to quit grows. Many men recognise the need
illnesses, which include various types of cancer and
to stop smoking for their health, with GATS-SA 2021
cardiovascular diseases, among many other diseases.
data showing that 62% of men who attempt to quit are
Tobacco Smoking: These numbers are rising, especially among men. motivated by health concerns. Other reasons include
the desire to set a positive example for children (42.2%),
A Deadly Connection
concerns about second-hand smoke (41.1%), financial
costs (30.8%), and family disapproval (28.8%). However,
Tobacco smoking is a primary cause of lung cancer,
the importance of accessible support systems for those
responsible for 9 out of 10 cases worldwide. Men, in many men struggle to quit on their own, underlining
South Africa’s Preventable Health Crisis particular, bear a higher risk of developing lung cancer and aiming to break free from nicotine.
face higher mortality rates from it. In part, this is because
men are more likely to smoke and are less likely to seek The Financial Costs of Smoking
early healthcare intervention when symptoms arise. South
Africa’s struggle with tobacco-related diseases is only The economic impact of smoking goes beyond personal
expected to intensify if nothing is done to intervene to health; it also strains household finances. GATS-SA findings
reduce tobacco use. The recent Global Adult Tobacco reveal that men in South Africa spend more on smoking
Survey South Africa (GATS-SA) findings reveal that men than women, with a median of R24.90 per cigarette pack
continue to lead in smoking rates, which could explain and a median monthly cost of R273.10. For families,
why cancer diagnoses among South African men surged these expenses often divert resources away from essential
by 56.3% between 2008 and 2019.
needs, making the economic burden of smoking one that
affects entire households. These financial strains add yet
Cultural Influences on Men’s Smoking another reason for comprehensive smoking cessation
programs to become a national priority.
Behaviour

In many societies, smoking has long been framed as a A Glimmer of Hope and a Call to Action
“masculine” activity, with early advertising portraying it
as a sign of toughness and independence. Globally, men While the challenges are significant, there is hope. The
are more likely to smoke than women, and South Africa is GATS-SA survey found that an overwhelming 92.3% of
no exception. GATS-SA 2021 reports that South African men acknowledge the harm smoking causes. This broad
men are four times more likely than women to be currently awareness offers a unique opportunity for public health
smoking. Men also smoke more frequently, taking longer campaigns, community education, and targeted support
puffs, and leaving fewer cigarette remnants behind. They services aimed at reducing smoking rates among men.
also face a higher exposure to second-hand smoke in
public places, workplaces, and even at home. Without With tobacco use so deeply ingrained, South Africa’s
stronger tobacco control and targeted interventions, approach must be comprehensive. The higher prevalence
South Africa risks a surge in tobacco-related diseases. of smoking among men calls for multifaceted solutions,
including education, targeted cessation programs, and
policies that encourage a smoke-free culture. By making
Smoking Starts Young
this shift, South Africa can work toward a future where
tobacco no longer claims the lives and health of its people.
Alarmingly, smoking habits often start early. The GATS-SA
survey found that the average age of smoking initiation The tobacco crisis among men in South Africa is a
among South African men is 17.4 years, with about 20% preventable health issue that demands urgent action. As
starting before age 15 and nearly 75% beginning by awareness grows, so too must support systems, policies,
age 19. This early initiation not only leads to long-term and public health initiatives that empower men to lead
nicotine dependence but also increases the risk of severe healthier lives. Now is the time to take decisive steps
health problems later in life, making preventive measures against tobacco use—an investment that would save
for young people more critical than ever.
lives, reduce healthcare costs, and create a healthier,
tobacco-free South Africa.

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14 THE SOUTH AFRICAN MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCILTHE SOUTH AFRICAN MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL THE COMMUNITY ISSUE 15