Just seen where the Doctor who first linked smoking to lung cancer has popped off , aged 92.
As a lifelong smoker , I must admit that he was a good , "advert " for his cause.
However , to mention a couple of interesting points in the news item. It said the doctor came to the conclusion , in his early '50's research , that there MAY be a connection between smoking and various ailments , including lung cancer.
In an interview , not long before his death , he said that passive smoking didn't bother him as it was virtually harmless.
I wonder if anyone has the figures for death from lung cancer in the 1920's and 1930's ? Apparently , according to this report 80% of Britons smoked before 1950.
Now if there is a definite link between smoking and lung cancer one would imagine that the number of deaths then would be a far larger proportion than deaths from lung cancer today [of people who smoke that is ].
I don't think enough research has been done on the effect of deaths that may be caused by traffic fumes and industrial fumes ; these factors must complicate any research. Also the number of deaths , everything else being equal , between urban deaths and rural deaths.
Anyway , well done Doc !! You stuck it out to the end !!

I suppose some smokers in the 1920s and 1930s would have had their life expectancy rather curtailed by WW2.

Also, the smogs and such (air pollution) were much worse in the 40s and 50s before the Clean Air Act came in.

I guess we''d also need to know whether people back tehn smoked as much as they do now - 80% of adults may have smoked but did they smoke as many?

Joe

Well..if youve the time and energy for it theres a good report on the ONS website:

http://www.statistics.gov.uk/downloads/theme_health/cancertrends_5099.pdf

Some interesting stats there on all kinds of cancer incidence, including a separate chapter on lung cancers.

FarEast, as one you enjoys your postings on this Forum, may I respectfully advise you to desist from smoking forthwith, so that I and others may continue to enjoy your postings for many years to come.

As for the link between smoking and lung cancer not being conclusively proven, even the tobacco companies now concede that there is indeed a definite link between the two. No amount of verbal sophistry, statistical origami, ingenious speculation or wishful thinking will alter this fact. Give 'em up man, now.

Lord Chaverly
Thank you , from Chaverlyville Cottages , Serf St. , for your kind thoughts , regarding my rude health.
I don't THINK that I've ever denied that there is some connection between smoking and certain types of bad health , including cancer.
Most of my disagreements on S.F have been with the reaction of the "Banners " and those who 've maintained that smokers are a financial burden on the N.H.S.
Also , I did once ask if anyone had the figures on urban vis-a-vis rural deaths , in regard to the smoking statistics but I haven't had a reply yet or seen any figures {Maybe the above link has some .I'll check it later ]. I do think what Joe also mentioned could complicate matters ------how many did people smoke ? , the general air pollution {especially in places like Sheffield ! } ? and the vast increase in vehicles. Some of these figures might weigh against my , "position " but it would be interesting to see them.It all points to it not being so straight -forward as the banners usually insist.
I know , Lord Chaverly , that your noble family has a long tradition of caring for its workers 'health . Was it not your Great Uncle who shot my old cousin Herbert behind the greenhouses when he caught him puffing a woodbine ? On the other hand your Great Uncle did have a lot of shares in that insurance company and I've often wondered if..............oh , never mind . Must get on with cleaning the chimneys !

FarEast,

I hope you have the appropriate safety mask on as you sweep the chimneys, as required by EU law. You are no doubt correct about the origins of the wealth which funded my stately pile. But in this regard the Chaverlys are no different from other families comprising the landed gentry. Yes, we do have a long tradition also of caring for those in our employ. It is true that I amcurrently having problems with my butler, who is demanding that I pay him the minimum wage. I have pointed out to him that in addition to provding him with free quarters below stairs, he is also free to use the Bentley whenever he wishes to impress the latest object of his plebian affections.

As for the link between smoking and ill-health, I would draw a parallel between drinking and ill health. Well, there may be a connection between the two, but I have no intention of giving up my nightly tipple, regardless of the consequences and regardless of how graphic the warnings on the labels may become.