A recent study published in The Lancet Public Health reveals that banning tobacco sales to young people could prevent an estimated 1.2 million lung cancer deaths globally by the year 2095.

The research suggests that creating a tobacco-free generation could significantly lower lung cancer mortality rates in future populations.

The study predicts that eliminating smoking could avert 40.2% of expected lung cancer deaths in this birth cohort by 2095.

Central and Eastern Europe are projected to experience the most significant impact, with up to 74.3% of potential lung cancer deaths among men being preventable.

Analysis of mortality and cancer incidence data from 185 countries indicates that the benefits of a smoke-free generation would be more pronounced for men, with 45.8% of deaths avoidable compared to 30.9% for women.

The study emphasizes the urgent need for global efforts to eliminate smoking, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where tobacco use remains high.

Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death worldwide, accounting for over two-thirds of the 1.8 million lung cancer deaths annually.

If global tobacco smoking prevalence could be reduced to 5% by 2050, life expectancy could significantly increase, preventing millions of premature deaths.

The authors caution that a 'generation without tobacco' policy alone is insufficient; they advocate for comprehensive measures such as tax increases and smoke-free environments.

New Zealand was the first country to enact a ban on cigarette sales to individuals born after 2008, but the new conservative government has since reversed this decision.

Several countries, including parts of Australia and the U.S., have initiated 'generation without tobacco' policies, though progress has been inconsistent.

The study acknowledges limitations, including the potential impact of black markets, lack of data in some regions, and the effects of e-cigarettes not being fully accounted for.