'Disgusting' new cigarette packs aim to deter prospective smokers

New cigarette packages with graphic warning labels provide an added incentive for Nanaimo's Karen Snyder to stay on track with her tobacco-free lifestyle.

The new labelling, which covers 75% of cigarette packages, include graphic pictures of a cancer-infected mouth, and of a 42-year-old emaciated, cancer-stricken woman. The images are meant to be disturbing and encourage smokers to quit.

Dr. Derek Poteryko of Nanaimo said the graphic images, while shocking, won't be enough to deter smokers from puffing on a cigarette. But the images could help prevent those considering taking up the habit from starting.

Snyder, manager at Supreme Convenience Number 9, quit three weeks ago by taking advantage of B.C.'s $25-million cessation program. She said the picture wouldn't have been enough to make her quit. But they might just be the ticket to keep her from starting up again.

Snyder is using free nicotine patches to quit through the cessation program. The provincial government launched the financial incentive Sept. 30, recognizing one of the largest issues for smokers is the affordability of anti-smoking aids. Under the program, people can get a 12week supply of patches, gum or pills at no cost.

After having tried to quit "too many times to count," Snyder, 48, hopes she will be able to kick the habit. And the new graphic images have hit home with her.

"The tongue one is disgusting," said Snyder, 48, holding up a cigarette package with a picture of a tongue covered in cancerous sores.

"But they are getting their message across and I think it's going to make people stop and think about quitting. The pictures hit home. My tongue could look like that if I continue to smoke."

Tim Stockwell, director of the Centre of Addictions Research of B.C. and a professor of psychology at the University of Victoria, said the research showed the more graphic the warning label, the more likely smokers were to take notice.

"Something like this arrest the attention," said Stockwell. "It makes one reflect what one is doing. About 80% of smokers would like to give up and this is kind of trigger that can push them into acting on that desire."

Poteryko said any steps to deter smoker from picking up a cigarette are good.