This episode of The Health Yarn sheds light on the tactics used by the tobacco industry, the rise of vaping, and how these products affect physical and emotional well-being of vulnerable community members, especially the younger generation.
In this episode, we yarn with Aboriginal Quitline Counsellor, Syl Phillips-Ayre, QUIT Victoria State Manager, Sabine Ostrowski and Aboriginal Relations Advisor from Cancer Council, Colin Darcy, about the impact of smoking and vaping on the health and well-being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and ways of living have been greatly influenced by Big Tobacco corporations since the introduction of Western culture to First Nations people. The impacts of smoking, and in recent years vaping, are serious as these contribute to chronic diseases and shorter life expectancy.
Smoking remains a leading cause of preventable disease in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities (AIHW, 2024). While many people are making the shift towards quitting, the introduction of vapes has created new challenges —especially with misleading marketing that suggests vaping is a “safer” alternative. This discussion highlights the clinical risks of both smoking and vaping, ranging from lung and heart health to the long-term impacts on mental and emotional well-being.
A retrospective cohort study in 2024 found Australian teenagers aged 12–17 years who vape are five times more likely to start smoking in the future than those who do not, after accounting for other factors that can predispose young people to trying either vapes or tobacco. The association is stronger the younger the cohort is, with 12-year-olds who vape being found 29 times more likely to try smoking than their same-age counterparts who do not.
Quitting smoking or vaping is a journey, and everyone’s path is different and support services like Aboriginal Quitline provide the much-needed culturally safe, personalised support to help people quit for good. In this episode, Syl and Sabine share insights on the quitting process, common challenges, and the importance of community support. They also discuss the ‘Flip the Vape’ campaign and how it empowers and helps community members who vape make informed choices about their health.
By raising awareness, breaking down stigma, and ensuring access to culturally safe healthcare, this episode of The Health Yarn empowers communities to take control of their health and make positive, lasting changes.
