Tobacco Ottawa Charter

Lung cancer refers to the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells that begin in one or both lungs; usually in the cells that line the air passages.   Research and trends have shown that lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in Australia, yet it is largely preventable. It is the most commonly occurring type of cancer. Carcinogens such as, occupational hazards, air pollution and other environmental factors are linked to the incidence of lung cancer however it is the health behaviour of smoking that will be the focus of initiatives underpinned by the Ottawa Charter. The five action areas incorporated by the Ottawa Charter are Developing Personal Skills, Reorientating Health Services, Building Public Healthy Policies, Creating Supportive environment and Strengthening Community Action.

Developing personal skills involves educating individuals and groups with knowledge and skills to improve the control over their health, behaviour and environment. A strategy that is being implemented to allow individuals to gain control over their health is illustrated through strategies such as self-help materials in print form or online. Also tailored advice about the risk factors of smoking which can be delivered electronically or by post. As a result of these strategies, smokers will now have access to information they can use to help themselves to quit irrespective of their location.
Reorientating health services encompasses moving health services and facilities to areas and populations where poor health is experienced. An implementation scheme to promote equity towards individuals suffering from lung cancer is reinforced with the training of multilingual pharmacists and other health professionals in areas with large numbers of particular communities suffering from this life threatening disease. With this strategy being implemented, language barriers are broken down and QUIT messages are being delivered to all members of the community irrespective of their cultural...