Cancer Council Queensland has backed a new advertising campaign launched by the State Government today designed to help young Queensland’s quit smoking.
The campaign uses the 70s hit ‘All By Myself’ to send an emotional message to smokers aged 25 to 44, to help them seek support to quit.
Cancer Council Queensland spokesperson Katie Clift said young Queenslanders needed significant support to quit smoking.
“Quitting can be very difficult for young people – we hope this campaign assists many in making the decision to quit smoking, and to seek the necessary support to quit for good,” Ms Clift said.
“Latest estimates show the burden of smoking in Queensland costs more than $6 billion every year in health care, lost productivity, and premature death.
“Evidence shows that there are high levels of community support for smoking bans, and 80 per cent of adult smokers want to quit.
“It’s also important that individuals take steps to get the support they need to quit smoking.
“We encourage locals to call Quitline 13 7848 to get the best advice, resources and ongoing support to help them quit smoking for their long-term health, and the health of their family.”
It’s estimated around 3000 Queenslanders will die from a tobacco-related disease in 2013. About 300 of these deaths will be caused by second-hand smoke exposure.
Smokers can obtain free information, practical assistance and support from Quitline, 13 QUIT (13 7848), or join the QUEST to quit at www.quest.org.au.
More information about Cancer Council Queensland is available at www.cancerqld.org.au or Cancer Council Helpline 13 11 20.
For more information or interviews, please contact:
Katie Clift, Executive Manager, Media and Spokesperson, Cancer Council Queensland
Ph: (07) 3634 5372 or 0409 001 171