Interview with Sir Richard Doll

29th October 2007

Videos produced and streamed by Joose

Sir Richard Doll (1917 - 2005) was one of the foremost epidemiologists of the 20th century. This interview, the last on this subject before his death, was conducted in 2004 by Professor David Matthews of Oxford University. Sir Richard talks passionately about his discovery of the link between smoking and chronic disease, his views on the tobacco industry, and the role of government. This interview is posted to coincide with what would have been Sir Richard's 95th birthday.

You can watch the full interview or answer by answer.

Question 1
Why should anyone give up smoking?

Question 2
What are your reflections on how smoking patterns and attitudes have changed, particularly among women?

Question 3
What is the effect of smoking on patients with diabetes?

Question 4
Is age an issue for people with diabetes?

Question 5
What are the dangers for recreational smokers?

Question 6
How soon after giving up smoking will the effects be noticed?

Question 7
What were the early indications that smoking was bad?

Question 8
Are you confident about the accuracy of the evidence on the dangers of smoking?

Question 9
What role can governments play in influencing people's behaviour about smoking?

Question 10
Cynics have suggested that it is in governments' financial interest not to keep aging populations alive for longer - do you have views on this?

Question 11
Turning to what can be done to target smoking globally, what are your views on the tobacco industry?

Question 12
What would you do to prevent smoking, especially among young people?

Question 13
How do you see the future of smoking?