Make Wednesday the day you start to stop

Smoking cessation advisors across North Yorkshire are gearing up to support smokers who want to take the first step in giving up cigarettes for good in advance of national No Smoking Day on Wednesday (March 9).

Studies show that two thirds of smokers want to quit, but nearly one fifth of adults in Yorkshire and the Humber still smoke and it remains the nation’s biggest killer, causing around 80,000 deaths in England every year.

Half of long-term smokers die prematurely from a smoking-related disease.

“Every month, 61 people in North Yorkshire discover they have cancer caused by smoking,” said County Councillor David Chance, Executive Member for Stronger Communities and Public Health.

“While most smokers know about the link between smoking and lung cancer, many people don’t realise that smoking is linked with not one but 16 different cancers, including cancers of the mouth, nasal cavities, pharynx and larynx, stomach, kidney, bowel, liver, pancreas, ureter, oesophagus, cervix, bladder and ovaries as well as myeloid leukaemia.

“This year’s national No Smoking Day’s theme is Proud to be a Quitter.

“In life we’re told never to give up, to keep going – but when it comes to smoking, being a ‘quitter’ is a good thing.

“Smokers in North Yorkshire wanting to quit have a wide range of support available through the Smokefreelife

North Yorkshire service commissioned by the County Council.”

Smokefreelife North Yorkshire offers out of hours support for people who work, and accessible clinics in local settings, including community centres and GP surgeries.

Smokers have the option of attending group sessions, receiving support through the Smokefreelife North Yorkshire online service or traditional one-to-one sessions with an advisor.

For more information on the Smokefreelife North Yorkshire stop smoking service or to sign up, call 0800 246 5215 or 01609 663 023 or text QUIT to 66777.

Visit www.smokefreelifenorthyorkshire.co.uk for the nearest stop smoking clinic.