Over ten percent of deaths in the Southwest are linked to smoking.

The German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) in Heidelberg has released a report focusing on the impact of smoking on death rates in Germany, as part of the National Cancer Prevention Week. The report, titled "Facts against Vape and Smoke", is a collaborative effort between the DKFZ, German Cancer Aid, and German Cancer Society.

The calculations for the report are based on the cause of death statistics provided by the Federal Statistical Office. The report reveals that more than one in ten deaths in the southwest can be attributed to smoking, with the national average standing at 17.5 percent.

In Baden-Württemberg, the proportion of all deaths among men in 2023 was the lowest in the country at 14.7 percent, while among women, the share was 9.5 percent, which was in the lower third but close to the national average of 10.0 percent. On the other hand, in Bremen, the share of deaths among women due to smoking was the highest at 13.2 percent.

The report also shows the evolution of smoking among men and women over the past decades, revealing a concerning trend. While the number of tobacco-related deaths among men is decreasing, the number among women is rising. In contrast, regional differences in smoking-related deaths reflect past and current smoking behavior in the federal states, as indicated by the Tobacco Atlas.

However, the report does not provide specific data on deaths due to vaping. This omission is likely due to the evolving nature of vaping and the need for more comprehensive data before drawing definitive conclusions.

The National Cancer Prevention Week includes interviews with experts and experts as podcasts, providing additional insights into the issues surrounding vaping and smoking. The information is available on the website www.krebspraeventionswoche.de and under the hashtag #FaktenUnvernebelt on Instagram, Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.

The DKFZ, German Cancer Aid, and German Cancer Society are using the National Cancer Prevention Week to spread awareness and educate the public about the dangers of smoking and vaping. The organisations hope to encourage people to make informed decisions about their health and to consider quitting smoking or vaping for the better.