The tobacco control policy implemented in France between 2016 and 2020 “had a considerable effect on public health, health expenditure and the labor market”. This is the conclusion of a study by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), funded by Public Health France and published on Friday June 16.
If 1 in 4 French people still smoked every day in 2021, maintaining existing measures over the period 2023-2050 would prevent 4 million chronically ill patients and save 578 million euros per year in health expenditure, assures the economic studies organization.
75,000 tobacco-related deaths in France in 2021
Cancer, respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, broncho-pneumopathies, musculoskeletal disorders, diabetes, dementia… Tobacco remains one of the main causes of non-communicable diseases. In 2021, it was the cause of 75,000 deaths in France, or 13% of the country’s mortality, the report is alarmed.
But, despite the reduction in the smoking rate observed since the 1970s, 1 in 4 French people still smoked daily in 2021, i.e. more than the average of regular smokers in OECD countries, which is 1 in 6. Between 2008 and 2020, French smokers also consumed 13 cigarettes per day on average (compared to 19 in 2002).
Smokers start early (22% of 17-year-olds declared themselves as such in 2018), and French women are more likely to smoke regularly than women in other European countries – the Covid crisis having contributed to increasing the percentage of smokers by 2 points between 2019 and 2021.
But, if 2021 marked a decline, it is also attributable to “the increase in purchases on national territory due to the closing of borders, a lower number of attempts at quitting, and an evolution in tobacco consumption among smokers” during the Covid period, notes the OECD.
32% of smokers in 2021
To combat smoking between 2016 and 2020, France notably increased the price of tobacco products, the best-selling pack of cigarettes climbing by 41%, and introduced the plain pack – the same packaging without marketing for all brands. and products, with photographs illustrating the harmful effects of tobacco. An annual weaning campaign, the “month without tobacco” has also been launched at the national level, and nicotine substitutes, reimbursed.
The effects have been notable, according to the report: from 42% of smokers in 1974, France has increased to 32% in 2021. However, based on the progress observed, the OECD simulations suggest that the continuation of this policy between 2023 and 2050 will have “significant fallout”.
This program “would make it possible to avoid approximately 4 million cases of chronic diseases”, including 3.4% of cancers attributable to tobacco, and would extend by 1.3 months the average life expectancy in good health for all French people. to 2050 – obviously greater gains among smokers.
For 1 euro spent, 4 euros saved
Consequence: maintained, the tobacco control policy would “save 578 million euros per year in health expenditure, equivalent to 4% of the amount allocated to preventive care in France in 2016”, calculates the report.
Thus, the OECD estimates that these measures will cost 148 million euros per year. She assures that this cost “is offset by the savings on long-term health expenses, with a return of 4 euros for each euro invested”.
In detail, the month without tobacco, this awareness and support campaign for people wishing to quit smoking, should save 94 million euros per year between 2023 and 2050, while its implementation costs 12 5 million, “a return on investment of 7 to 1”.
The measures could also increase “employment and work productivity by the equivalent of 19,800 additional full-time jobs per year, compared to a scenario in which this program would not be applied”. These productivity gains would generate an annual gain estimated at 715 million euros.
The colossal effects of a total disappearance of tobacco
Tobacco-related spending continues to weigh on the state budget and the health system, regrets the OECD, however. In the hypothetical scenario where tobacco ceases to be an option altogether, the organization predicts that no less than 25 million cases of chronic diseases could be avoided between 2023 and 2050, and 6.6 billion euros saved each year on the period.
France plans a first generation of non-smoking adults by 2032. Some countries have taken drastic measures to achieve similar goals: New Zealand has completely banned the sale of tobacco to young people born after 2008.