A new study by the American Cancer Society (ACS) has revealed that smoking menthol cigarettes poses a higher mortality risk compared to non-menthol cigarettes. The research, published in the journal Tobacco Control, highlights the urgent need for regulation of menthol cigarettes to address health disparities among different racial and ethnic groups in the United States.
The nationwide study, which followed nearly a million participants over six years, found that individuals who smoked menthol cigarettes had an increased risk of death from all causes and cardiovascular diseases, particularly heart conditions. This elevated risk was especially pronounced among those who had quit smoking and those with high smoking intensities.
Black participants currently smoking menthol brands faced a staggering 88% higher mortality risk for some heart diseases compared to those smoking non-menthol cigarettes. This finding underscores the disproportionate impact of menthol cigarettes on minority communities, exacerbating existing health disparities.
Dr. Priti Bandi, scientific director of risk factors and screening research at ACS and lead author of the study, emphasized the public health threat posed by menthol in cigarettes. “With these results additionally showing unique mortality effects, it’s time for menthol cigarettes to be regulated to help save lives,” Dr. Bandi stated.
The study also reaffirmed that quitting smoking substantially reduced health risks associated with both menthol and non-menthol cigarettes. However, among former smokers, those with a history of menthol cigarette use still faced higher mortality risks compared to non-menthol smokers.
These findings highlight the critical need for comprehensive tobacco control policies, including increased funding for prevention and cessation programs, and the elimination of menthol cigarettes from the market. Such measures are essential to address the persistent health disparities affecting minority communities and to improve overall public health outcomes.
See: “New ACS Study Finds Menthol Flavored Cigarette Smoking Increases Mortality Risk vs. Non-Menthol Cigarettes” (February 13, 2025)
