Sweden Records Lowest Lung Cancer Rates in EU with Just 5% Smoking Prevalence

Women in Sweden Still Prefer Traditional Cigarettes .. and a National Association Advocates for Snus Consumers

Sweden’s Traditional Nicotine Habit Evolves into the World’s Leading Smoke-Free Alternative: Snus

“Sada El Balad” participated in a three-day press tour in Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, to explore the country’s advanced approach to smoke-free alternatives and its pioneering role in the transformation of nicotine consumption. The visit included a tour of Swedish Match’s laboratories and historical museum, where the company’s long heritage was showcased. Established over 150 years ago as a matchstick manufacturer, Swedish Match has since evolved to become a global leader in smoke-free products like snus and nicotine pouches. The museum also displayed vintage matchbox artwork from around the world, including designs created especially for Egypt.

During the visit, Sada El Balad reviewed research on smoking rates in Sweden, which remain among the lowest in Europe, with only 5% of the population currently smoking. Most of these users have switched to less harmful alternatives like snus and nicotine pouches, making Sweden a model for smoke-free societies. One of the unique aspects of the Swedish model is the existence of a non-profit consumer association dedicated to supporting snus users and ensuring product transparency. The association plays an active role in overseeing the production conditions of snus and supporting research efforts, despite snus being legally approved in other countries such as the United States.

According to researchers interviewed during the tour, Sweden has the lowest incidence in Europe of cancers typically linked to smoking, including lung, oral, esophageal, and stomach cancers. Experts attribute these figures to the country’s low smoking rate, and more importantly, the wide adoption of smoke-free, less harmful alternatives like snus and nicotine pouches. These products have been authorized by several international regulatory bodies, most notably the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

According to data reviewed by "Sada Elbalad", the percentage of women smoking traditional smoking products (cigarettes) is higher than the percentage of men smoking them in Sweden. Sweden has a long history of dealing with alternative smoke-free products designed in various forms, the history of which was examined during a visit to the Swedish Match Museum in the capital. It was a prevalent type used by Swedes several centuries ago, and work was done to develop it as a less dangerous alternative to cigarettes in the recent period.