One in six young Greeks between 16 and 24 smokes daily, and first contact with nicotine products often begins at age 10, according to new data from the Hellenic Statistical Authority.
A new awareness campaign by Smoke Free Greece – an initiative of the Greek Anti-Cancer Society, funded by the Behrakis Foundation of Boston – aims to reach 500,000 people by September. “Nicotine dependence remains one of the most significant threats to public health,” said Paraskevi Katsaounou, chairwoman of smoking cessation and public health of the Hellenic Thoracic Society.
Greece remains among the EU countries with the highest smoking rates. Organizers noted that e-cigarettes have not yet spread as widely in Greece as elsewhere in Europe – an opportunity, they said, that must not be lost. Quitting smoking, the Greek Anti-Cancer Society president added, extends cancer patient survival by 25-30%.
