New Study Reveals Higher Mortality Risks Linked to Menthol Cigarettes
In a significant nationwide study conducted by the American Cancer Society (ACS), researchers have discovered that individuals who smoke menthol cigarettes face higher risks of death from all causes and cardiovascular diseases compared to those who smoke non-menthol cigarettes. The findings, published in the journal Tobacco Control, also highlight that the negative health consequences extend even to those who have quit smoking.
Key Findings of the Study
The study followed approximately one million participants from the Cancer Prevention Study II, a large-scale, population-based cohort enrolled in 1982-1983. Researchers observed these participants for mortality outcomes over a period of six years. Mortality risks were assessed based on individuals’ smoking status (current, former, or never smoked) and menthol flavor preference (menthol or non-menthol cigarette brands).
Out of 73,486 participants who reported smoking menthol cigarettes and 281,680 participants who smoked non-menthol cigarettes, 4,071 and 20,738 deaths were recorded, respectively. Both current and former menthol and non-menthol smokers exhibited high mortality risks, approximately two times higher than those who never smoked. However, quitting smoking significantly reduced the risk of death regardless of the cigarette type.
Discrepancies Between Menthol and Non-Menthol Smokers
Interestingly, among people who had previously smoked but had quit, those who had smoked menthol cigarettes were found to have a higher mortality risk compared to those who had smoked non-menthol cigarettes. These individuals faced a 12% greater risk of death from all causes, 16% from cardiovascular diseases, and a striking 43% increase in other heart diseases.
Among current smokers, no significant difference in mortality risk was observed between menthol and non-menthol cigarettes. However, the study noted elevated risks for menthol smokers consuming 40 or more cigarettes daily, as well as for Black individuals who use menthol cigarettes, with an 88% increase in mortality risk for certain heart diseases.
Public Health Implications and Recommendations
Menthol in cigarettes is a recognized public health threat due to its role in increasing smoking initiation and reducing smoking cessation efforts. With these new results revealing additional unique mortality effects, it is crucial that menthol cigarettes be regulated to help save lives. Given the substantial market share of menthol cigarettes in the U.S. and globally, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, this issue is of utmost importance.
Dr. Priti Bandi, scientific director, risk factors and screening research at the American Cancer Society and lead author of the study
Dr. Bandi emphasized that the fatal impact of both menthol and non-menthol cigarettes underscores the importance of quitting smoking altogether. “Continuing to smoke, whether it be menthol or non-menthol cigarettes, poses significant health risks,” she stated. “The findings reinforce the notion that quitting all types of cigarettes is the safest option for reducing disease risks and preventing premature death.”
Addressing these findings, Lisa A. Lacasse, president of ACS’s advocacy affiliate, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), called for comprehensive policy action. “Today’s study underscores the necessity for policymakers to implement policies that facilitate quitting among current smokers and prevent youth from becoming addicted to tobacco products,” she added. “Individuals who smoke should have seamless access to cessation services and support through quitlines, healthcare providers, and government-funded programs.”
ACS CAN plans to continue advocating for increased funding for tobacco prevention and cessation initiatives, as well as for the eventual cessation of menthol cigarettes and other flavored tobacco products. Additionally, the organization will push for robust smoke-free laws and regular tobacco product taxes, supporting overall tobacco control efforts.
Contributors to the Study
Other researchers involved in the study include Christina Newton, Zheng Xue, Dr. Samuel Asare, Dr. Minal Patel, Dr. Farhad Islami, Dr. Nigar Nargis, Dr. Alpa Patel, Dr. Ahmedin Jemal, Dr. J. Lee Westmaas, and senior author Ryan Diver.
Final Thoughts
The American Cancer Society’s comprehensive study provides compelling evidence regarding the heightened health risks associated with menthol cigarettes. Despite current and former smokers facing elevated mortality rates, the study also highlights a critical piece of positive information: quitting smoking, whether menthol or non-menthol, significantly reduces the risk of various diseases and premature death.
As such, the study advocates for increased regulation of menthol cigarettes and greater access to smoking cessation resources to help reduce the immense toll of tobacco-related illnesses. Health advocates and policymakers must prioritize these life-saving initiatives to protect public health and reduce smoking-related mortality rates.
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