Tobacco Control Bill a ‘Transformative opportunity’ for Zambia’s cancer prevention

By Chapala Chikoyi
The Cancer Diseases Hospital (CDH) has described the Tobacco Control Bill NAB Number 40. of 2025 as a transformative opportunity for cancer prevention in Zambia.

In a comprehensive submission to the National Assembly Committee on Health, the hospital detailed how the proposed legislation could significantly reduce the escalating burden of tobacco-related cancers.
The hospital submitted that tobacco is implicated in at least 40 percent of all cancer diagnoses, with cancers of the oesophagus, colorectum, liver, and lung being major contributors to the mortality figures.
The hospital represented by Senior Medical Superintendent Dr. Susan Msandabwe told the committee that the Bill’s provisions directly support the National Cancer Control Strategic Plan for 2022 to 2026.

Dr. Msandabwe emphasized that comprehensive bans on advertising, smoke-free environments, and nationwide education campaigns will reduce tobacco initiation and promote cessation.
Dr. Msandabwe stressed that reduced cancer incidence would ease pressure on the country’s overstretched health infrastructure.
The team comprising Head of Clinical Care Dr. Paul Kamfwa and Dr. Aaron Shibemba, further revealed worrying trends in tobacco-associated cancers.

They presented data showing a steady rise in cases of oesophageal, colorectal, and lung cancers between 2018 and 2022.
The health experts also warned that emerging nicotine products like e-cigarettes and heated tobacco are entering the Zambian market aggressively, targeting young people with flavoured options.
They called for such products to be included in the regulatory framework.