You have undoubtedly read in your local newspaper that the Department of Health and Human Services has launched a new ad campaign designed to "scare" smokers straight. The ad is described as "featuring shocking and gruesome images of former smokers talking about what life is like with a smoking-related disease.
I am concerned about the effectiveness and appropriateness of these sorts of scare ads. I have worked with many head and neck cancer survivors, including laryngectomees ( persons whose voice box has been removed because of cancer). Some have been smokers, others not. In either case, I think it is insulting to refer to a stoma ( opening in their neck for breathing) or other surgical scar as "gruesome". These individuals have usually suffered through some of the hardest treatment in their life. Many will never talk or swallow normally again. They do not need a public ad campaign to blame or shame them for their smoking.
If the government wants an ad campaign for the public, I would suggest they focus on the tobacco industry. Inform people about how much money has been earned over the last 50 years. Focus on the current marketing of candy flavored tobacco to young people. In fact, stop by your local convenient store and look to see how cleverly the candy flavored cigarellos are positioned directly above the actual candy counter. This is calculated marketing directed at creating a new generation of smokers. Now, THAT is scary!
To learn more about Laryngectomy please visit:
http://www.theial.com/ial/
I am concerned about the effectiveness and appropriateness of these sorts of scare ads. I have worked with many head and neck cancer survivors, including laryngectomees ( persons whose voice box has been removed because of cancer). Some have been smokers, others not. In either case, I think it is insulting to refer to a stoma ( opening in their neck for breathing) or other surgical scar as "gruesome". These individuals have usually suffered through some of the hardest treatment in their life. Many will never talk or swallow normally again. They do not need a public ad campaign to blame or shame them for their smoking.
If the government wants an ad campaign for the public, I would suggest they focus on the tobacco industry. Inform people about how much money has been earned over the last 50 years. Focus on the current marketing of candy flavored tobacco to young people. In fact, stop by your local convenient store and look to see how cleverly the candy flavored cigarellos are positioned directly above the actual candy counter. This is calculated marketing directed at creating a new generation of smokers. Now, THAT is scary!
To learn more about Laryngectomy please visit:
http://www.theial.com/ial/
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