Roken in een risicocultuur

Exactly 50 years ago, the U.S. Surgeon General explicitly warned about health damage caused by cigarette smoking. His 1964 report is often regarded as a definitive breakthrough in the battle against lung cancer. This report is worth remembering, not so much as a milestone of medical progress, but rather as marking the origin of new disease patterns and a new health culture. As such, the report may prompt reflection on the foundations of our healthcare system and the mission of medicine in the 21st century.

Conflict of interest and financial support: none declared.