NEW YORK, Jul 22 (Reuters Health) -- Congress should enact legislation that would require health warnings on cigar labels and advertising, as well as prohibit cigar ads on television and radio, according to a report issued by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on Wednesday.

"We now know, based on findings of the National Cancer Institute, that cigars, like other tobacco products, pose serious health risks," said FTC Chairman Robert Pitofsky. "The Commission believes that consumers should be advised that cigars are not a safe alternative to cigarettes."

The FTC recommended three warnings that would rotate in placement on labels and in print advertisements, similar to the system now in place for other forms of tobacco. The three warnings include: "Regular cigar smoking can cause cancers of the mouth and throat, even if you do not inhale," "Inhaling cigar smoke can cause lung cancer. The more deeply you inhale, the greater your risk," and "Cigars are not a safe alternative to cigarettes."

FTC researchers found that cigar manufacturers had dramatic increases in cigar sales and revenue during 1996 and 1997, while the manufacturers also substantially increased their advertising and promotional spending.

According to the FTC report, cigar sales increased 15% from 3.8 billion cigars sold in 1996 to 4.4 billion cigars sold in 1997. During the same 2-year period, dollar sales of cigars jumped 43% from $613 million in 1996 to $876 in 1997.

The increase in sales and advertising of cigars has led to growing concern among health authorities. Consumers are "generally aware that cigar smoking poses health risks, although they lack information about the specific risks involved," according to the report.

Given "the public's extensive exposure to health warnings for cigarettes and smokeless tobacco, the current absence of clear and conspicuous federal health warnings for cigars may send a misleading signal that cigars are not harmful to one's health, or that cigars are a safe alternative to cigarettes," the Commission said.

The report, entitled "Report to Congress: Cigar Sales and Advertising and Promotional Expenditures for Calendar Years 1996 and 1997," is available on the FTC website, http://www.ftc.gov.

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