Cigarette Packaging to Display New Oral Cancer Warnings

The FDA decided to require cigarette companies to display an extremely graphic image labeled “cancerous lesion on lip” on all cigarette packaging and advertising.  Accompanying the image will be the statement “WARNING: Cigarettes cause cancer.” The changes are to take place on September 22, 2012.

The new warning label is intended to influence a younger audience towards making wise decisions about whether or not to smoke.  The labels will also, of course, further the public’s association between tobacco and oral cancer.

The new labels were chosen based on the results of focus group testing for emotional and cognitive reactions, the most extreme reactions naturally indicating the most effective label.

The ADA supports the FDA’s decision, stating “dentists are the first line of defense in the war against oral cancer and many other tobacco-related diseases.”  You can read the full ADA article here.

Some think the horrible image will reduce the number of smokers. Others don’t.  What do you think?  Are these images invasive, or are they an effective way to prevent smoking and save lives?