Average smoker tries to quit 5 times before succeeding

National No Smoking Day an opportunity to try again, says Irish Cancer Society 

It takes 5 attempts on average, but the Irish Cancer Society is using National No Smoking Day to tell the 70% of smokers who want to quit that it is possible. Smokers will increase their chances of success by calling the National Smokers’ Quitline on 1850 201 203 and talking to an expert ‘quit counsellor’.

Health concerns are the main reason why smokers want to quit, according to data from the National Smokers’ Quitline. The second most common reason is the financial drain and the third is concerns about the impact of smoking on family and children. The main reason for not giving up is the smoker’s nicotine addiction. Today, the Irish Cancer Society has launched a major new advertising campaign to coincide with National No Smoking Day, aimed specifically at people who have made many attempts to quit before. Smokers are more likely to be male than female, under 54 years of age and from lower social groups . Recent data from European Union Statistics of Income and Living Conditions (EU-SILC) shows that deaths from tobacco-related diseases in Ireland are 9% higher than the European average. “Stopping smoking  can be one of the hardest things someone can do, but the benefits will be evident almost immediately,” says Kevin O’Hagan, Health Promotion Manager at the Irish Cancer Society. “We want to send a very strong message to smokers that they can quit and we can support them. It may take a number of attempts but they are stronger than their addiction. We have expert quit counsellors ready at the end of the phone, who will remain with the person over the course of a year to help them become an ex-smoker. This service is free of charge and will double the chances of success.” “We don’t believe that it is enough to treat nicotine addiction as a lifestyle issue. The U.S Surgeon General has said that smoking can be as addictive as heroin and users can have the same relationship with tobacco as those who are addicted to heroin. We need to start thinking of smoking in these terms and provide the appropriate support to fight tobacco use in this country. We know that 70% of smokers want to quit and many smokers need professional and on-going support if they are to succeed.” Data from the National Cancer Registry  shows that the number of lung cancers are increasing by 1.8% a year in women but decreasing by 1.2% a year in men. From being a predominantly male disease for the past fifty years, lung cancer is projected to become a predominantly female disease by 2025 . Despite a generation of health promotion, this easily preventable cancer still causes more deaths than any other. Smoking is the biggest preventable cause of cancer. The Irish Cancer Society has stated its intention to help cut the smoking rate to 15% of adults and 7% in under-18s by 2017, in its new Strategic Plan, ‘Towards a Future Without Cancer’. The National Smokers' Quitline, 1850 201 203, is a partnership between the Health Service Executive and the Irish Cancer Society. Smokers are encouraged to call for information, advice, support and a quit booklet. Information and support is also available through www.quit.ie