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  GSK Survey |
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A new national survey conducted by the American Legacy Foundation® and GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare indicates major knowledge gaps and misperceptions exist in what smokers believe to be true about the risks associated with smoking, compared to the actual realities of tobacco-related disease and death. Experts believe these misperceptions may prevent smokers from trying to quit and from successfully utilizing proven smoking cessation treatments. According to the survey, while many smokers are aware that smoking can lead to serious health problems including lung cancer, many underestimate the risk of getting the disease from smoking. "What is alarming about these survey findings is that so many smokers are still so misinformed," said Dr. Cheryl Healton. "Proven cessation treatments like nicotine replacement therapy continue to be underutilized and we believe these misperceptions are partly to blame. These findings point to the fact that more needs to be done to educate and inform smokers." Results of the survey proved that misperceptions about the effects of nicotine found in cigarettes remain at the forefront. Almost all survey respondents (81 to 86 percent) either were unsure whether or incorrectly believed that, nicotine caused cancer, emphysema or heart attacks. While smoking has been proven to cause cancer, heart disease, and lung disease, long-term use of nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) are not known to be associated with any serious harmful effects. To be included in separate fact box— Other survey findings include:
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