Background:
According to a survey on Canadian medical students’ smoking habits and beliefs, the key results show that the prevalence of smoking among the future healthcare professionals is high and they lack of tobacco-related education [1]. Last year a similar survey was conducted at Democritus University of Thrace [2]. Its findings show that there is difference in smoking habits between the two students’ groups, but their tobacco-related education is equally poor.

Methods:
In both researches participated undergraduate students who completed a questionnaire about their smoking habits, attitudes and education level towards tobacco cessation interventions.

Results:
The prevalence of cigarette smoking among Greek medical students is higher than the Canadians (24% vs. 3.3%). Although Canadian students smoke, also, other tobacco products (cigars, water pipe), the total prevalence is 15.3%. 65.5% of the Greek medical students report that they had ever tried cigarettes, but only 29.9% of the Canadian students make a same statement. Both students groups reported that they have moderate levels of education concerning tobacco-related subjects and cessation techniques. Only 8.1% of Greek and 10% of Canadian medical students report that they had ever received trainings in smoking cessation methods. Finally only a small percentage seems to be familiar with the cessation guidelines and only a few students are aware of the fact that they lack knowledge to help their patients cease smoking.

Conclusions:
The prevalence of cigarettes smoking among Greek medical students is significantly higher. Also the tobacco-related education in both countries is equally poor. It is desperately necessary to enhance the medical schools’ curricula with courses regarding smoking issues, since future physicians have a key-role in tobacco cessation and prevention.