# Global tobacco health awareness and cessation gaps > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/global-tobacco-health-awareness-and-cessation-gaps > Updated: 2026-08-13T17:41:00.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 2. Recent global research highlights significant deficiencies in public awareness regarding the health risks of tobacco use and a lack of adequate cessation support. An international analysis of 240,000 adults across 46 countries indicates that while most smokers associate cigarettes with lung cancer, awareness of other risks is notably lower. Specifically, knowledge regarding the links to heart disease, stroke, and the cardiovascular dangers of second-hand smoke remains insufficient, even in several high-income nations. Further findings indicate a critical gap in tobacco control infrastructure. Although over 80% of tobacco users live in developing nations, only 31 lower- and middle-income countries provide cessation care that meets the World Health Organization’s MPOWER gold standard. This deficiency leaves an estimated 1.3 billion people without necessary services to assist with quitting. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-13: Global tobacco control faces gaps in cessation support and health awareness Global studies reveal critical gaps in tobacco cessation support for developing nations and a persistent lack of awareness among smokers regarding the cardiovascular risks of smoking and second-hand smoke. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/global-tobacco-control-faces-gaps-in-cessation-support-and-health-awareness ### 2026-08-07: Global Study Finds Gaps in Public Awareness of Smoking‑Related Health Risks Global surveys reveal most smokers know cigarettes cause lung cancer, but awareness of heart disease, stroke and second‑hand smoke risks is lower; WHO reports tobacco drives 15% of cancers worldwide. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/global-study-finds-gaps-in-public-awareness-of-smokingrelated-health-risks --- Cite as: Global tobacco health awareness and cessation gaps. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/global-tobacco-health-awareness-and-cessation-gaps