Cancer plan: towards new increases in tobacco taxes in France

Achieving a tobacco-free France within ten years, notably through tax increases, and limiting excessive alcohol consumption: these are the two objectives presented by the Government as part of the fight against cancer.

The first steering committee of the government's ten-year strategy relating to the Cancer Plan notably mentions the need for an increase in tobacco taxes.

Fighting cancer

In the presentation package of July 5, Prime Minister Jean Castex mentioned that the objective of the Plan was to "reduce the number of preventable cancers by 60,000 per year by 2040." To date, 382,000 cancers are diagnosed each year in France, of which 157,000 will prove fatal. However, approximately 40% of diagnosed cancers are currently considered preventable. As such, tobacco consumption is the leading cause of cancer in France. Furthermore, smoking is by far the leading cause of preventable death and disease in France. With 75,000 deaths per year in France caused by smoking, it represents 13% of overall mortality (19% of male mortality, and 7% of female mortality).

Tax increases in the "prospect of a France free from tobacco"

In February 2021, President Emmanuel Macron announced the goal of achieving a first tobacco-free generation by 2030. With this in mind, the plan highlights the need for an ambitious tax policy: "the selling price of all tobacco products must converge towards the highest prices charged by the most advanced countries on this subject (Australia, United Kingdom, Ireland)." All scientific literature identifies significant, repeated, and continuous tax increases as the most effective and cost-effective lever for reducing tobacco consumption among a population, starting with the youngest and those in precarious categories. While to date, no tax policy has been announced since the €10 pack was reached in November 2020, this declaration appears to be positive news for public health.

Limit excessive alcohol consumption

Furthermore, alcohol, as the second leading risk factor for cancer and a cause of preventable mortality (45,000 deaths per year), is also in the government's sights. However, while the government has announced that it is moving towards the goal of eradicating smoking, the aim for alcohol is to limit excessive consumption. Thus, the text indicates that the focus will be on the 10% of the population, responsible for 58% of annual alcohol sales in France. A detailed plan relating to alcohol will be made public in October 2022.

Keywords: Taxes, Alcohol, Tobacco, France, Government

Photo credit: ©SEBASTIEN MUYLAERT/MAXPPP

©Generation Without Tobacco

Source: AFP

National Committee Against Smoking |