"Serbia has highest cancer mortality rate in Europe"
BELGRADE -- Serbia tops the list of European countries with highest cancer mortality rates - a number that grows 2.5 percent on average each year.
Source: Tanjug
Close the entire text of the article here
This oncologist said the reason behind the increase in cancer patients and those who succumb to the disease is NATO's 1999 campaign of air strikes on Serbia, when the Western military alliance used 15 tons of depleted uranium.
Cikaric added that based on the report for 2012 produced by the Cancer Register of the Institute for Public Health Dr. Milan Jovanovic Batut, the total number of new cases reached 36,408, while 21,269 people died of cancer.
According to the report, lung cancer was the dominant form of the disease for men, while the most common cause of death among women was breast cancer.
The doctor pointed out that data for 2014 is still pending, but that the expected number of new cases will reach about 40,000, "bearing in mind the annual growth of the mortality rate."
Last February, the World Health Organization presented its data on malignant tumor trends worldwide, which projected 14 million new cases of the disease in 2014, and 24 million in 2034.
"Following this trend we expect to have about 40,000 new cases in Serbia, which means there will be 5,512 new cancer patients per one million inhabitants," said Cikaric.
This fact, he said, means that all those "directly or indirectly" working in oncology in Serbia should be aware of a very serious problem.
The number of the expected new cases for Serbia in 2014 will be 2.8 times higher than the global average per one million people, he explained, adding that this spelled out "a Serbian catastrophe." According to Cikaric, "unlike here, in developed countries the mortality rate has been declining an average of one percent per year over the past 20 years."
Speaking about NATO's depleted uranium ammunition, the doctor said this material with a half-life of 4.5 billion years "remains in Serbia." Radioactive matter ingested or inhaled in the past is now causing cancer in people, according to Cikaric.
This oncologist added that primary and secondary oncological prevention and palliative care remain "at zero position," while one of the key therapeutic modalities - radio therapy - is at the lowest level in Serbia compared to European standards.
(Moderate albanian, 26 March 2015 08:19)
There was one thing that hit me when reading your articles especially the one about the cancer rates ten years after the war. Where he said that they are discovering a tumor a day whereas before 1999 it was one in three months.
Then I was thinking one of the big problems with the Milosevic policies of the 90's was that they cut all funding for healthcare in Kosovo in Albanian areas and Drs and nurses where without jobs.
How can one effectively compare rates from a time when there is healthcare and when there is not?
(just a question, 27 March 2015 13:03)
He has no shame, and would still argue that Kosovo has the highest rate of cancer..
(Loda, 25 March 2015 20:24)
What a bozo. You might want to read it carefully and note the reasons why they make that claim – Depleted Uranium,mmmmmm????
I have seen stupid people but the Albanians are in a class of their own.
(sj, 27 March 2015 10:21)
I suspect that the dangers of passive smoking have been exaggerated for socio-political purposes because on the basis of what we've been told in that regard, millions alive today should not be here at all.
(TP, 26 March 2015 15:13)
TP,
Keep smoking, you and those that continue to smoke are playing Russian roulette. Although you have not yet contracted cancer, there is still plenty of time for you to succumb from the disease. Why push your luck?
(The Count of Kosova, 26 March 2015 17:09)
Bob, I suspect that as an ex-smoker you are probably far more worried about being tempted to return to it than anyone elses health.
When I was a kid in the UK almost everyone smoked, everywhere, all the time, and regardless of whether or not there were children present.
My generation smoked a lot and we are still here, almost to a man or woman, and with little or no more health problems than any non-smoker. The same is true for previous generations going back for over two centuries and smoking alone cannot possibly be the only factor causing so-called related diseases.
Smoking is one factor, yes, but only combined with others that governments are less keen to tackle. I find it odd that allegedly smoking related diseases have increased rapidly since increases in pollution, stress, processed food and atmospheric nuclear testing, and they continue to rise even with the massive drop in people smoking as well as greater restrictions on where one can smoke.
I totally agree that people should not smoke around objecting non-smokers, and especially not children - not necessarily because it might kill them, but because it's uncomfortable and can aggravate other conditions.
I suspect that the dangers of passive smoking have been exaggerated for socio-political purposes because on the basis of what we've been told in that regard, millions alive today should not be here at all.
(TP, 26 March 2015 15:13)
Having sat in smoke filled parties in Belgrade watching mothers cuddling their children while repeatedly puffing away like the proverbial chimney, I am surprised that so many children make it to adulthood without dying of cancer.
There is an attitude to smoking which is similar to to stupid attitude about not wearing seat belts that I meet so often.
Smoking is not just an 'auto goal' for those kill themselves through doing it, it is also a wickedness through spreading secondary smoke particles to others and putting them at risk.
Sadly, people I have known have died of smoking related cancer - before the advent of the bombings.
I'm glad to have given up smoking - hopefully I stopped before it did me too much long term harm.
If you are a smoker reading this, don't be stupid about smoking - stop right now.
This is mass murder of next generations too. What is Serbia doing about it? Is anyone going to be held responsible for this horrible situation or is Serbia going to shrug it off and suck up to EU and the US?
Serbia needs another Erin Brockovich.
(Peggy, 26 March 2015 11:09)
If smoking was the cause then breastcancer would not have abhigher mortality rate than lung cancer for women so that argument doesn't make any sense. As for diet, only very recently have some parts of the (mostly urban) started eating processer food with additives that Åre so common in the West.
(dbader, 26 March 2015 09:02)
There is not enough “reliable” data for official cancer rates in Kosovo.
Primarily due to the fact that it’s a corrupt, non-functioning narco state with extremely poor medical facilities and has only established a national cancer database last year.
But its widely accepted that the entire territory of Kosovo is contaminated.
There are plenty of media reports as well as statistics from Dr’s and medical clinics that there is an alarming rise in cancer cases.
Many Albanian doctors in Pristina, have stated that before 1999 was 10 among 300,000 people, and today it stands at 20 among 60,000
A British biologist, Roger Coghill, says he expects the depleted uranium (DU) weapons used by US aircraft over Kosovo will cause more than 10,000 fatal cancer cases.
The rates of cancer and leukaemia are on the rise in the region, but in Kosovo is probably off the charts.
Your cigarette consumption numbers are from 2007 so they would include Kosovo.
You should read more closely to avoid these types of errors ;)
(danilodanilodanilo, 25 March 2015 19:16)
So, what are you saying? Serbia isn't, in fact, #1 consumers of tobacco in the world, but maybe the 15% extra population that the inclusion of Kosovo adds up to (where they may smoke as much, less, or more), means what? That Serbia is maybe #2 instead of #1
totally irrelevant observation on your part.
(Danilo, 26 March 2015 00:29)
The Cancer within Serbia! Before the 1990's what terrible and horrific news did we hear about Jugoslavia? During and after the 1990's only horrific news from the remainder of our Serbian teritories! What happened to prospering Jugoslavia and the Serbian people? I read and hear current comments from USA public officials how the bombing, murdering and destruction of infrastructure in Serbia was so important and good for the Christian Eastern Orthodox Serbian people! So now we see how good it is for us Serbians what the USA, England and Germany did back in the 1990's? It does not take a rocket scientest to figure out why so many Serbian people are suffering and dying from cancer. Chemical poision from bombs, radioactive poision from bombs, STRESS and DEPRESSION that causes our Serbian people to excessively smoke, drink, family violence and in general become reckless with their health! Like I mention to you my dear Serbian Brothers and Sisters through out the world, we don't need to suffer, we need to mobolize! Serbian cival leaders want to disarm Serbian citizens and threaten them with a five year jail sentence if they find defenseve arms and on the other hand three Satanic Demons from the Roman Catholic Empire came to the heart of Serbia a few weeks ago to kidnap and murder OUR little Serbian baby girl and our Serbian cival leaders statement is to hold the detainees for 30 days! SHAME! This is one good example why the Serbian people continue to suffer and perish!!!
(Dragoljub Djurkovic, 25 March 2015 23:54)
Though I welcome restrictions on smoking in many public places (except for bars) I believe that the hazards of smoking have been greatly exaggerated, and for quite sinister reasons.
People have been smoking in Europe, and quite heavily in some cases, too, for hundreds of years, yet only since World War Two have we seen diseases associated with the disease accelerate.
I suspect that not only the radiation levels in Serbia but in the whole world, as a result of thousands of atmospheric nuclear tests, has something to do with it, not to mention increases in pollution, stress and processed foods.
Smoking, I believe, is a scapegoat designed to divert attention from those other causes which could lead to litigation and huge financial losses for governments that carried out nuclear tests. No one factor causes diseases.
May I add that smoking rates were much higher in countries like France, Greece and Japan yet the rate of related diseases there were far lower than in many other countries where they smoked less. This was true until greater industrialisation, western processed foods, and the abovementioned nuclear tests, came along.
I suspect that some people commenting on here blame smoking because the West has told them to, and because nicotine has been closely associated with better brain function.
(TP, 25 March 2015 21:30)
This doctor must be paid by the tobacco industry. Maybe a real doctor could publicize the dangers of smoking and a bad diet. And the. Communists disregard for the environment and health during state planned industrialization have no part in this tragedy?
(Josip, 25 March 2015 20:34)
Too funny! While I was reading the article I too was thinking about SJ's claim about Kosova haven't the highest rate of cancer.
I'm sure the high cancer rate can be attributed to the highest levels of cigarette smoking, poor diet, lack of decent healthcare, low education levels. Also, smoking the skin flute doesn't help.
Serbia: at the top of every bad list and at the bottom of every good list.
(Captain Kosova, 25 March 2015 18:12)
The statistics include Kosovo, as it is part of Serbia. There was heavy shelling of DU in Pec/Peja as well as in central Kosovo. A lot of people who got sick from this in Kosovo went for treatment in Belgrade.
Watch the General Jankovic/Hani Elezit crossing to FYROM/Skoplje on Friday/Saturday. You'll notice convoys of internationals leaving Kosovo to buy food in Skoplje to bring back with them. They make $10k a month, so they're not out looking for bargains.
(Joe, 25 March 2015 18:05)
Now now don't be mean people the Srb governments depends on the smoking sin tax for half of their patronage revenue. The other half comes from Rakija sales distilled through lead pipes. So you see its not the ordinary Serb fault they don't know any better with their brains so badly wasted. Plus that is the biggest growth industry in Serbia as it has no other. You cant include stealing as growth industry o wait I think it is in Serbia.
(Lenard, 25 March 2015 17:47)
This article is obviously incorrect as SJ has already informed us that Kosovo has the highest cancer rate in Europe. These so-called specialist should vet their findings with SJ prior to publication to avoid these type of errors.
(SJSJSJ, 25 March 2015 16:35)
Yeah, it was the NATO bombs from 16 years ago causing lung cancer, not the high prevalence of smoking everywhere in the region.
(LK, 25 March 2015 16:21)
Yeah, it was the NATO bombs from 16 years ago causing lung cancer, not the high prevalence of smoking everywhere in the region.
(LK, 25 March 2015 16:21)
This article is obviously incorrect as SJ has already informed us that Kosovo has the highest cancer rate in Europe. These so-called specialist should vet their findings with SJ prior to publication to avoid these type of errors.
(SJSJSJ, 25 March 2015 16:35)
Too funny! While I was reading the article I too was thinking about SJ's claim about Kosova haven't the highest rate of cancer.
I'm sure the high cancer rate can be attributed to the highest levels of cigarette smoking, poor diet, lack of decent healthcare, low education levels. Also, smoking the skin flute doesn't help.
Serbia: at the top of every bad list and at the bottom of every good list.
(Captain Kosova, 25 March 2015 18:12)
Your cigarette consumption numbers are from 2007 so they would include Kosovo.
You should read more closely to avoid these types of errors ;)
(danilodanilodanilo, 25 March 2015 19:16)
So, what are you saying? Serbia isn't, in fact, #1 consumers of tobacco in the world, but maybe the 15% extra population that the inclusion of Kosovo adds up to (where they may smoke as much, less, or more), means what? That Serbia is maybe #2 instead of #1
totally irrelevant observation on your part.
(Danilo, 26 March 2015 00:29)
Now now don't be mean people the Srb governments depends on the smoking sin tax for half of their patronage revenue. The other half comes from Rakija sales distilled through lead pipes. So you see its not the ordinary Serb fault they don't know any better with their brains so badly wasted. Plus that is the biggest growth industry in Serbia as it has no other. You cant include stealing as growth industry o wait I think it is in Serbia.
(Lenard, 25 March 2015 17:47)
Having sat in smoke filled parties in Belgrade watching mothers cuddling their children while repeatedly puffing away like the proverbial chimney, I am surprised that so many children make it to adulthood without dying of cancer.
There is an attitude to smoking which is similar to to stupid attitude about not wearing seat belts that I meet so often.
Smoking is not just an 'auto goal' for those kill themselves through doing it, it is also a wickedness through spreading secondary smoke particles to others and putting them at risk.
Sadly, people I have known have died of smoking related cancer - before the advent of the bombings.
I'm glad to have given up smoking - hopefully I stopped before it did me too much long term harm.
If you are a smoker reading this, don't be stupid about smoking - stop right now.
The statistics include Kosovo, as it is part of Serbia. There was heavy shelling of DU in Pec/Peja as well as in central Kosovo. A lot of people who got sick from this in Kosovo went for treatment in Belgrade.
Watch the General Jankovic/Hani Elezit crossing to FYROM/Skoplje on Friday/Saturday. You'll notice convoys of internationals leaving Kosovo to buy food in Skoplje to bring back with them. They make $10k a month, so they're not out looking for bargains.
(Joe, 25 March 2015 18:05)
There is not enough “reliable” data for official cancer rates in Kosovo.
Primarily due to the fact that it’s a corrupt, non-functioning narco state with extremely poor medical facilities and has only established a national cancer database last year.
But its widely accepted that the entire territory of Kosovo is contaminated.
There are plenty of media reports as well as statistics from Dr’s and medical clinics that there is an alarming rise in cancer cases.
Many Albanian doctors in Pristina, have stated that before 1999 was 10 among 300,000 people, and today it stands at 20 among 60,000
A British biologist, Roger Coghill, says he expects the depleted uranium (DU) weapons used by US aircraft over Kosovo will cause more than 10,000 fatal cancer cases.
The rates of cancer and leukaemia are on the rise in the region, but in Kosovo is probably off the charts.
This doctor must be paid by the tobacco industry. Maybe a real doctor could publicize the dangers of smoking and a bad diet. And the. Communists disregard for the environment and health during state planned industrialization have no part in this tragedy?
(Josip, 25 March 2015 20:34)
This is mass murder of next generations too. What is Serbia doing about it? Is anyone going to be held responsible for this horrible situation or is Serbia going to shrug it off and suck up to EU and the US?
Serbia needs another Erin Brockovich.
(Peggy, 26 March 2015 11:09)
(Moderate albanian, 26 March 2015 08:19)
There was one thing that hit me when reading your articles especially the one about the cancer rates ten years after the war. Where he said that they are discovering a tumor a day whereas before 1999 it was one in three months.
Then I was thinking one of the big problems with the Milosevic policies of the 90's was that they cut all funding for healthcare in Kosovo in Albanian areas and Drs and nurses where without jobs.
How can one effectively compare rates from a time when there is healthcare and when there is not?
(just a question, 27 March 2015 13:03)
I suspect that the dangers of passive smoking have been exaggerated for socio-political purposes because on the basis of what we've been told in that regard, millions alive today should not be here at all.
(TP, 26 March 2015 15:13)
TP,
Keep smoking, you and those that continue to smoke are playing Russian roulette. Although you have not yet contracted cancer, there is still plenty of time for you to succumb from the disease. Why push your luck?
(The Count of Kosova, 26 March 2015 17:09)
He has no shame, and would still argue that Kosovo has the highest rate of cancer..
(Loda, 25 March 2015 20:24)
What a bozo. You might want to read it carefully and note the reasons why they make that claim – Depleted Uranium,mmmmmm????
I have seen stupid people but the Albanians are in a class of their own.
(sj, 27 March 2015 10:21)
The Cancer within Serbia! Before the 1990's what terrible and horrific news did we hear about Jugoslavia? During and after the 1990's only horrific news from the remainder of our Serbian teritories! What happened to prospering Jugoslavia and the Serbian people? I read and hear current comments from USA public officials how the bombing, murdering and destruction of infrastructure in Serbia was so important and good for the Christian Eastern Orthodox Serbian people! So now we see how good it is for us Serbians what the USA, England and Germany did back in the 1990's? It does not take a rocket scientest to figure out why so many Serbian people are suffering and dying from cancer. Chemical poision from bombs, radioactive poision from bombs, STRESS and DEPRESSION that causes our Serbian people to excessively smoke, drink, family violence and in general become reckless with their health! Like I mention to you my dear Serbian Brothers and Sisters through out the world, we don't need to suffer, we need to mobolize! Serbian cival leaders want to disarm Serbian citizens and threaten them with a five year jail sentence if they find defenseve arms and on the other hand three Satanic Demons from the Roman Catholic Empire came to the heart of Serbia a few weeks ago to kidnap and murder OUR little Serbian baby girl and our Serbian cival leaders statement is to hold the detainees for 30 days! SHAME! This is one good example why the Serbian people continue to suffer and perish!!!
(Dragoljub Djurkovic, 25 March 2015 23:54)
Bob, I suspect that as an ex-smoker you are probably far more worried about being tempted to return to it than anyone elses health.
When I was a kid in the UK almost everyone smoked, everywhere, all the time, and regardless of whether or not there were children present.
My generation smoked a lot and we are still here, almost to a man or woman, and with little or no more health problems than any non-smoker. The same is true for previous generations going back for over two centuries and smoking alone cannot possibly be the only factor causing so-called related diseases.
Smoking is one factor, yes, but only combined with others that governments are less keen to tackle. I find it odd that allegedly smoking related diseases have increased rapidly since increases in pollution, stress, processed food and atmospheric nuclear testing, and they continue to rise even with the massive drop in people smoking as well as greater restrictions on where one can smoke.
I totally agree that people should not smoke around objecting non-smokers, and especially not children - not necessarily because it might kill them, but because it's uncomfortable and can aggravate other conditions.
I suspect that the dangers of passive smoking have been exaggerated for socio-political purposes because on the basis of what we've been told in that regard, millions alive today should not be here at all.
(TP, 26 March 2015 15:13)
If smoking was the cause then breastcancer would not have abhigher mortality rate than lung cancer for women so that argument doesn't make any sense. As for diet, only very recently have some parts of the (mostly urban) started eating processer food with additives that Åre so common in the West.
(dbader, 26 March 2015 09:02)
Though I welcome restrictions on smoking in many public places (except for bars) I believe that the hazards of smoking have been greatly exaggerated, and for quite sinister reasons.
People have been smoking in Europe, and quite heavily in some cases, too, for hundreds of years, yet only since World War Two have we seen diseases associated with the disease accelerate.
I suspect that not only the radiation levels in Serbia but in the whole world, as a result of thousands of atmospheric nuclear tests, has something to do with it, not to mention increases in pollution, stress and processed foods.
Smoking, I believe, is a scapegoat designed to divert attention from those other causes which could lead to litigation and huge financial losses for governments that carried out nuclear tests. No one factor causes diseases.
May I add that smoking rates were much higher in countries like France, Greece and Japan yet the rate of related diseases there were far lower than in many other countries where they smoked less. This was true until greater industrialisation, western processed foods, and the abovementioned nuclear tests, came along.
I suspect that some people commenting on here blame smoking because the West has told them to, and because nicotine has been closely associated with better brain function.
(TP, 25 March 2015 21:30)
Too funny! While I was reading the article I too was thinking about SJ's claim about Kosova haven't the highest rate of cancer.
I'm sure the high cancer rate can be attributed to the highest levels of cigarette smoking, poor diet, lack of decent healthcare, low education levels. Also, smoking the skin flute doesn't help.
Serbia: at the top of every bad list and at the bottom of every good list.
(Captain Kosova, 25 March 2015 18:12)
Yeah, it was the NATO bombs from 16 years ago causing lung cancer, not the high prevalence of smoking everywhere in the region.
(LK, 25 March 2015 16:21)
The Cancer within Serbia! Before the 1990's what terrible and horrific news did we hear about Jugoslavia? During and after the 1990's only horrific news from the remainder of our Serbian teritories! What happened to prospering Jugoslavia and the Serbian people? I read and hear current comments from USA public officials how the bombing, murdering and destruction of infrastructure in Serbia was so important and good for the Christian Eastern Orthodox Serbian people! So now we see how good it is for us Serbians what the USA, England and Germany did back in the 1990's? It does not take a rocket scientest to figure out why so many Serbian people are suffering and dying from cancer. Chemical poision from bombs, radioactive poision from bombs, STRESS and DEPRESSION that causes our Serbian people to excessively smoke, drink, family violence and in general become reckless with their health! Like I mention to you my dear Serbian Brothers and Sisters through out the world, we don't need to suffer, we need to mobolize! Serbian cival leaders want to disarm Serbian citizens and threaten them with a five year jail sentence if they find defenseve arms and on the other hand three Satanic Demons from the Roman Catholic Empire came to the heart of Serbia a few weeks ago to kidnap and murder OUR little Serbian baby girl and our Serbian cival leaders statement is to hold the detainees for 30 days! SHAME! This is one good example why the Serbian people continue to suffer and perish!!!
(Dragoljub Djurkovic, 25 March 2015 23:54)
This article is obviously incorrect as SJ has already informed us that Kosovo has the highest cancer rate in Europe. These so-called specialist should vet their findings with SJ prior to publication to avoid these type of errors.
(SJSJSJ, 25 March 2015 16:35)
Though I welcome restrictions on smoking in many public places (except for bars) I believe that the hazards of smoking have been greatly exaggerated, and for quite sinister reasons.
People have been smoking in Europe, and quite heavily in some cases, too, for hundreds of years, yet only since World War Two have we seen diseases associated with the disease accelerate.
I suspect that not only the radiation levels in Serbia but in the whole world, as a result of thousands of atmospheric nuclear tests, has something to do with it, not to mention increases in pollution, stress and processed foods.
Smoking, I believe, is a scapegoat designed to divert attention from those other causes which could lead to litigation and huge financial losses for governments that carried out nuclear tests. No one factor causes diseases.
May I add that smoking rates were much higher in countries like France, Greece and Japan yet the rate of related diseases there were far lower than in many other countries where they smoked less. This was true until greater industrialisation, western processed foods, and the abovementioned nuclear tests, came along.
I suspect that some people commenting on here blame smoking because the West has told them to, and because nicotine has been closely associated with better brain function.
(TP, 25 March 2015 21:30)
The statistics include Kosovo, as it is part of Serbia. There was heavy shelling of DU in Pec/Peja as well as in central Kosovo. A lot of people who got sick from this in Kosovo went for treatment in Belgrade.
Watch the General Jankovic/Hani Elezit crossing to FYROM/Skoplje on Friday/Saturday. You'll notice convoys of internationals leaving Kosovo to buy food in Skoplje to bring back with them. They make $10k a month, so they're not out looking for bargains.
(Joe, 25 March 2015 18:05)
There is not enough “reliable” data for official cancer rates in Kosovo.
Primarily due to the fact that it’s a corrupt, non-functioning narco state with extremely poor medical facilities and has only established a national cancer database last year.
But its widely accepted that the entire territory of Kosovo is contaminated.
There are plenty of media reports as well as statistics from Dr’s and medical clinics that there is an alarming rise in cancer cases.
Many Albanian doctors in Pristina, have stated that before 1999 was 10 among 300,000 people, and today it stands at 20 among 60,000
A British biologist, Roger Coghill, says he expects the depleted uranium (DU) weapons used by US aircraft over Kosovo will cause more than 10,000 fatal cancer cases.
The rates of cancer and leukaemia are on the rise in the region, but in Kosovo is probably off the charts.
This doctor must be paid by the tobacco industry. Maybe a real doctor could publicize the dangers of smoking and a bad diet. And the. Communists disregard for the environment and health during state planned industrialization have no part in this tragedy?
(Josip, 25 March 2015 20:34)
Now now don't be mean people the Srb governments depends on the smoking sin tax for half of their patronage revenue. The other half comes from Rakija sales distilled through lead pipes. So you see its not the ordinary Serb fault they don't know any better with their brains so badly wasted. Plus that is the biggest growth industry in Serbia as it has no other. You cant include stealing as growth industry o wait I think it is in Serbia.
(Lenard, 25 March 2015 17:47)
He has no shame, and would still argue that Kosovo has the highest rate of cancer..
(Loda, 25 March 2015 20:24)
What a bozo. You might want to read it carefully and note the reasons why they make that claim – Depleted Uranium,mmmmmm????
I have seen stupid people but the Albanians are in a class of their own.
(sj, 27 March 2015 10:21)
Bob, I suspect that as an ex-smoker you are probably far more worried about being tempted to return to it than anyone elses health.
When I was a kid in the UK almost everyone smoked, everywhere, all the time, and regardless of whether or not there were children present.
My generation smoked a lot and we are still here, almost to a man or woman, and with little or no more health problems than any non-smoker. The same is true for previous generations going back for over two centuries and smoking alone cannot possibly be the only factor causing so-called related diseases.
Smoking is one factor, yes, but only combined with others that governments are less keen to tackle. I find it odd that allegedly smoking related diseases have increased rapidly since increases in pollution, stress, processed food and atmospheric nuclear testing, and they continue to rise even with the massive drop in people smoking as well as greater restrictions on where one can smoke.
I totally agree that people should not smoke around objecting non-smokers, and especially not children - not necessarily because it might kill them, but because it's uncomfortable and can aggravate other conditions.
I suspect that the dangers of passive smoking have been exaggerated for socio-political purposes because on the basis of what we've been told in that regard, millions alive today should not be here at all.
(TP, 26 March 2015 15:13)
If smoking was the cause then breastcancer would not have abhigher mortality rate than lung cancer for women so that argument doesn't make any sense. As for diet, only very recently have some parts of the (mostly urban) started eating processer food with additives that Åre so common in the West.
(dbader, 26 March 2015 09:02)
(Moderate albanian, 26 March 2015 08:19)
There was one thing that hit me when reading your articles especially the one about the cancer rates ten years after the war. Where he said that they are discovering a tumor a day whereas before 1999 it was one in three months.
Then I was thinking one of the big problems with the Milosevic policies of the 90's was that they cut all funding for healthcare in Kosovo in Albanian areas and Drs and nurses where without jobs.
How can one effectively compare rates from a time when there is healthcare and when there is not?
(just a question, 27 March 2015 13:03)
Having sat in smoke filled parties in Belgrade watching mothers cuddling their children while repeatedly puffing away like the proverbial chimney, I am surprised that so many children make it to adulthood without dying of cancer.
There is an attitude to smoking which is similar to to stupid attitude about not wearing seat belts that I meet so often.
Smoking is not just an 'auto goal' for those kill themselves through doing it, it is also a wickedness through spreading secondary smoke particles to others and putting them at risk.
Sadly, people I have known have died of smoking related cancer - before the advent of the bombings.
I'm glad to have given up smoking - hopefully I stopped before it did me too much long term harm.
If you are a smoker reading this, don't be stupid about smoking - stop right now.
This is mass murder of next generations too. What is Serbia doing about it? Is anyone going to be held responsible for this horrible situation or is Serbia going to shrug it off and suck up to EU and the US?
Serbia needs another Erin Brockovich.
(Peggy, 26 March 2015 11:09)
Your cigarette consumption numbers are from 2007 so they would include Kosovo.
You should read more closely to avoid these types of errors ;)
(danilodanilodanilo, 25 March 2015 19:16)
So, what are you saying? Serbia isn't, in fact, #1 consumers of tobacco in the world, but maybe the 15% extra population that the inclusion of Kosovo adds up to (where they may smoke as much, less, or more), means what? That Serbia is maybe #2 instead of #1
totally irrelevant observation on your part.
(Danilo, 26 March 2015 00:29)
I suspect that the dangers of passive smoking have been exaggerated for socio-political purposes because on the basis of what we've been told in that regard, millions alive today should not be here at all.
(TP, 26 March 2015 15:13)
TP,
Keep smoking, you and those that continue to smoke are playing Russian roulette. Although you have not yet contracted cancer, there is still plenty of time for you to succumb from the disease. Why push your luck?
(The Count of Kosova, 26 March 2015 17:09)