Keep tobacco ads out of public eye

Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Letter to the Editor
Times Union

As a breast cancer survivor who receives both a yearly breast MRI and a mammogram, I can relate firsthand to the feeling of relief that there is a test that can more accurately detect lung cancer at a stage where the disease is still treatable.

My fear, however, is that with the availability of the spiral CT for lung cancer, smokers will become complacent about the inherent risks linked to tobacco use and will continue this deadly habit.

Tobacco, when used as intended, has no safe level of consumption. It is important that this message continues to ring loud and clear. It also is essential that we ensure ways to protect our youth from ever starting to use tobacco products.

A study by the National Cancer Institute reports that even brief exposure to cigarette advertising influences adolescents' intentions to smoke. One way to drastically reduce this visibility is to keep cigarette displays covered so that customers including children are not forced to see them.

Laura Waterhouse
Latham