Cigarettes with ultralow nicotine levels are now being called the game-changer in the fight against smoking. If you are having trouble in quitting smoking, then, it is for you, that soon the Biden White House is expected to formally propose a plan that will order cigarette nicotine levels to be reduced, reports The Washington Post. For now though, it has been a failure, as these cigarettes, also known as VLN cigarettes that stands for very low nicotine are only available in 5,100 stores in 26 states. This is a very small fraction of the overall market for cigarettes. The company that makes it, 22nd Century, is struggling not because of the low supply, but also from the advocates who have long believed slashing nicotine levels altogether.

The Advent and ideation

Nicotine is a chemical that is produced naturally from tobacco that makes the cigarette and also keeps people hooked. While it is believed that it makes people alert, and get the "hit" to keep them going, it exposes the users to harmful substances, carcinogens, and increases the risk of heart disease, lung cancer, and other illness.

Ultralow-nicotine cigarettes, like the VLN brand, contain about 95% less nicotine than the regular cigarettes. The idea is quite simple: without the addictive grip of nicotine, smokers will find it easier to quit. Research too has shown some promise. For instance, the studies funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse revealed that very low nicotine cigarettes reduced addiction potential significantly without having users to increase their smoking frequency. However, the problem is, why would anyone choose for a low-nicotine that does not make them feel the same way, when the high-nicotine cigarette is right next to it, making them feel the same way, with the same alertness, sold at the same price.

“It’s very hard to imagine someone actively choosing to continue to use a low-nicotine product for the same price when a high-nicotine product is right next to it,” said Eric Donny, a Wake Forest University School of Medicine nicotine researcher.

No wonder, the experiment with low nicotine product by Philip Morris' Next cigarettes in the 1980s and Vector Tobacco's Quest brand in the early 2000s, flopped.

FDA's Role in the Push

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has supported the development of such products, even allowing VLN cigarettes to be marketed as lower-risk options. However, these products remain a niche market, available in only a fraction of U.S. stores.

Recently, the Biden administration has considered a bold step—mandating a dramatic reduction in nicotine levels for all cigarettes sold in the United States. Supporters believe this move could save millions of lives, while critics, including tobacco companies, warn of potential unintended consequences.

What Could Be The Challenges?

Resistance from Big Tobacco Companies: They could argue that slashing nicotine levels could backfire. Their claim is, smokers will turn to black markets or smoke more to satisfy their cravings, which may lead to greater exposure to harmful substances.

Consumer Reluctance: History is proof to the instances of smokers being hesitant to embrace the low-nicotine products.

Political Hurdle: It may face political roadblocks, as under the Trump administration, plans to cut nicotine were shelved.

Could Low-Nicotine Cigarettes Be The Solution?

Advocates believe that ultralow-nicotine cigarettes could be a game-changer, comparing them to decaf coffee or non-alcoholic beer—products that reduce harm while offering a similar experience.

Some experts warn that a black market for traditional cigarettes could undermine these efforts. They also stress the need for safer alternatives, such as vaping products, to support smokers transitioning away from traditional cigarettes.

Once marketed as a safer alternative to cigarettes, research now shows that vapes carry serious health risks, including lung damage, meningitis, and cancer.

Unlike cigarettes, these devices are often ready to use, brightly colored, require little effort to activate, and appear more like toys than a harmful product. But due to its addictive flavor, people end up consuming more tobacco than those who smoke unflavored ones.

Globally, 33 countries ban the sale of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), a category that includes e-cigarettes and vapes, according to a 2023 World Health Organization (WHO) report. Another 87 countries regulate the sale of ENDS.

Malaysia has become the latest country to intensify efforts to curb vaping, with the Health Ministry launching a major crackdown on the online promotion and sale of smoking and vape products under Ops Selamat PaPa.

In a statement, the ministry said the operation aims to target the manufacturing, distribution, and sale of all types of smoking products, and protect the younger generation.

“Following its increasing and widespread use, this operation was launched to protect the younger generation from the dangers of smoking products, including electronic cigarettes and vaping,” the statement said.

“We take the complaints raised on social media over online advertising and sales of vape products suspected of violating the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) seriously," it added.

The Health Ministry said it had investigated 10 websites following the complaints and requested that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission block four of them under the provisions of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588). The remaining six websites are still under investigation, The Straits Times reported.

According to the ministry, as of April 30, a total of 34,903 enforcement operations had been carried out following inspections at 683,704 premises nationwide.

“We constantly monitor online advertising and promotion of tobacco products, including the sale of vapes. We wish to stress that there will be no compromise for those who violate laws,” the ministry said.

UK Parliament Bans Cigarettes and Vapes

The UK Parliament has passed a “landmark bill” to ban smoking among children who were born on or after 1 January 2009.

Under the new Tobacco and Vapes Bill, people aged 17 or younger face a lifelong ban on buying cigarettes. This includes a ban on selling vapes to anyone under 18 and selling them through vending machines.

Vaping A Major Threat Among Under-5s in the US

Vaping has been a serious concern in the United States, with New York Attorney General Letitia James in 2025 filing a lawsuit against e-cigarette manufacturers and distributors.

The lawsuit accused the companies of fueling a youth vaping crisis, alleging that these companies that manufacture vapes, especially with flavors, have misled consumers about the safety of their products while deliberately targeting young people through deceptive marketing.

An April 2026 study, published in JAMA Network Open, for the first time assessed trends in young children's nicotine exposures across all types of products.

Shockingly, electronic cigarette-related incidents increased 243 percent over the past eight years in young children, especially among those under five years of age, said researchers from the Rutgers New Jersey Medical School.

Vaping has also become a more common form of tobacco use among American middle and high school students.

As per the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 1.6 million students used e-cigarettes in 2024, with 87.6 percent of them opting for a flavored product.

One of the beloved football legends, Kevin Keegan, has revealed his ongoing fight with stage four cancer. The news of his health condition has brought on massive support and love from across the football-loving community. The man who inspired generations and contributed both as a player and manager comes forth and reveals that he is getting diagnosed with stage four stomach cancer, and the lethal disease has spread to his other body parts.

The news carried huge value as the former England captain himself talked about his health condition with his usual honesty and humor. The player hailed by his fans as "King Kev" addressed a huge audience in Newcastle. The 75-year-old veteran footballing genius unraveled his journey through the difficult times. His supporters also listened to his self-reflection on the situation completely in silence.

Former Newcastle forward and manager, standing at the Tyne Theatre and Opera House, said, "I was in a car accident and, through that, I had to have an operation. Whilst having the scan for the operation, they found out I had cancer. They said they had an absolute top doctor for fighting what you have got, which is stage four cancer."

"So I went to meet him. He's a Liverpool supporter, so I knew I wouldn't walk alone," he added and continued, "He said, 'Kevin, this new treatment, I've got a tremendous strike rate'. I said, "'What's your strike rate?' He said, '33%'. I thought it would be 80%, 90%. 33%!"

Keegan enjoyed great spells at Scunthorpe United, Liverpool, Hamburg, Southampton, and Newcastle during his illustrious career. Later, he led Newcastle, Fulham, England, and Manchester City.

The player, also popular for his perm hairstyle, was a famous face in British television as a guest on shows and part of an advertisement campaign. He also took part in a public information short-film teaching youngsters how to cross the road. He also brought several pop singles and had a memorable appearance on the television show Superstars.

Also Read: Potential 'Functional Cure' For Hepatitis B: Trial Give Hope To Millions

How To Reduce The Risk Of Cancer?

Consuming a healthy and balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can reduce cancer risk.

Regular physical activity keeps the body fit and reduces the risk of breast, colon, and endometrial cancers.

Smoking and alcohol consumption should be avoided.

Skin cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancer. Applying sunscreen with high SPF, finding shade, and avoiding tanning beds would save you from harmful ultraviolet rays.

Also Read: Space Grown Stem Cells: How Are Expedition 74 Astronauts Helping To Fight Cancer?

Long-term stress can weaken the immune system and may contribute to an increased risk of cancer. Incorporating stress-relief techniques such as mindfulness, practising deep-breathing exercises, and engaging in enjoyable hobbies can enhance overall well-being.

Exposure to environmental elements like pesticides, pollutants, and workplace chemicals can increase the risk of cancer. To avoid this risk, wearing protective gear, opting for organic produce, and ensuring adequate ventilation in living or working areas can greatly assist.

By vaccinating against Hepatitis B and HPV, individuals can protect themselves against infections closely linked to liver and cervical cancers; apart from vaccination, adopting proper hygiene practices and steering clear of high-risk activities can help prevent the risk of cancer-causing infections.

Former US President Joe Biden’s prostate cancer has advanced and metastasized to his bones, his wife Jill Biden said while sharing an update on his health.

Biden was diagnosed with an “aggressive form” of prostate cancer in May 2025. Later, he was also diagnosed with skin cancer.

During an interview on NBC's Today to promote her new memoir, the former first lady said Biden is “doing OK” despite his ongoing battle with prostate cancer. She added that Joe Biden will live with cancer for the rest of his life.

“He’s doing OK,” she said.

“I think if he had just been diagnosed with prostate cancer, that’s one thing because that can be cured, but the fact that it metastasized to his bones, that makes it a whole different story," Jill added.

"And so I think Joe will live with cancer the rest of his life.”

In October 2025, the former President underwent radiation therapy. He was also being treated with hormone therapy. In September 2025, Biden’s spokesperson also announced that the 83-year-old had surgery to treat skin cancer.

Joe Biden was diagnosed with prostate cancer after “experiencing urinary symptoms,” according to a statement released in May 2025. Doctors found a “small nodule” on his prostate during an examination.

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men, affecting about one in eight men in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society.

What Is The Prostate And How Is Screening Done?

Also read: Benjamin Netanyahu Undergoes Treatment For Early-stage Prostate Cancer

The prostate is a small walnut-shaped gland in men that produces seminal fluid, which nourishes and transports sperm. Prostate cancer develops when abnormal cells begin growing in the gland.

Dr. Srikanth Munna, Consultant Urology, Andrologist, Laparoscopy and Penile Implant Surgeon at KIMS Hospital, Hyderabad, told HealthandMe that prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men and involves the abnormal growth of cells in the gland.

Importantly, if detected early, it is often curable. Age, family history, and lifestyle factors are among the most common risk factors.

Prostate cancer treatment guidelines have evolved in recent years, with many men opting for active surveillance rather than immediate treatment for slow-growing tumors.

However, about 50 per cent of men on “watchful waiting” may require further treatment within five years because of tumor progression. A simple Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test can help assess risk, Dr Munna said.

Read More: Bob Harris: BBC Radio 2 Host Hospitalized For Prostate Cancer Treatment

The expert noted that some early-stage symptoms of the disease include:

• Blood in the urine or semen
• Trouble urinating
• Erectile dysfunction

More advanced prostate cancer may cause symptoms such as:

• Decreased force in the urine stream
• Bone pain
• Unexplained weight loss

Read: Prostate Cancer Screening In UK To Focus On High-Risk Men; Guidelines Reject Universal Testing

Experts say not all prostate cancers are life-threatening. Some forms grow very slowly and may never affect a man’s lifespan. Such slow-growing cancers are found in around one in three men over the age of 50.

However, a smaller number of prostate cancers are aggressive, spread rapidly, and can become life-threatening, making timely detection important.

While screening is done via a blood test called PSA, it can sometimes lead to overdiagnosis and unnecessary treatment, and may result in side effects such as erectile dysfunction and loss of bladder control in healthy men.