Cancer Council Queensland are urging those who smoke to set tomorrow, World No Tobacco Day (May 31), as their quit date!
Around 11 per cent of the Queensland population smoke daily. That’s 430,000 people putting their lung health at risk.*
Cancer Council Queensland CEO Ms Chris McMillan urged all smokers, even occasional smokers, to quit for good.
“Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death and disease, including cancer, in the developed world,” Ms McMillan said.
“There is no safe level of exposure to tobacco smoke.
“Every cigarette is doing you damage, and even occasional or weekly smoking cannot only harm yourself, but harm others through second-hand smoke exposure.
“Exposure to second-hand smoke increases a person’s risk of heart disease, lung cancer and respiratory conditions, SIDS and allergic respiratory diseases in children.
“Choose health, not tobacco, for yourself and your loved ones this World No Tobacco Day and make a commitment to give up the habit for good.”
In Australia, smoking causes around one in five cancer deaths, which includes more than 3400 deaths in Queensland each year.
Currently, two in three Australian long-term smokers will die from their habit.
“If you smoke, your body is constantly working to try and repair the damage done by regularly inhaling more than 4000 toxic chemicals,” Ms McMillan said.
“It’s never too late to quit! The best thing a smoker can do for their health is to quit smoking and the benefits of quitting are immediate – even if people already suffer health problems.
“12 hours after stopping smoking, the level of carbon monoxide in your blood drops dramatically. After 72 hours, your sense of taste and smell improve.
“From two weeks, lung function and circulation improves, and from one month coughing and shortness of breath decrease.
“Reach out today for free resources, support and advice to help you quit for good.”
Smokers are urged to call the Quitline on 13 QUIT (13 7848) or visit QUIT HQ for help with quitting.
World No Tobacco Day, May 31, raises awareness globally about the health risks associated with tobacco use. The focus for 2019 is “tobacco and lung health”.
More information about Cancer Council Queensland is available via cancerqld.org.au or 13 11 20.
ENDS
*Chief Health Officer report, The Health of Queenslanders Report 2018: https://www.health.qld.gov.au/research-reports/reports/public-health/cho-report/current.
Tips to quit
- Set a quit date so you can become mentally ready to become a non-smoker – record your smoking behaviour in the few weeks leading up so you have a better understanding of how many cigarettes you smoke and what your triggers and habits are.
- Write down your reasons for quitting – keep these in your wallet and refer to them when you have strong cravings.
- Stay busy – occupy yourself with a task when a craving strikes.
- Get rid of anything that might make you want to smoke – throw away cigarettes, lighters and ashtrays in your home.
- Get plenty of support – ask your friends and family to support you and keep you on track. If you live or work with other people who smoke, ask them to quit with you. Contact Quitline 13 Quit (13 7848) 7am – 10pm, 7 days a week for support and encouragement to quit or visit quitnow.org.au
- Visit QUIT HQ to start your journey
For more information, or interviews, media can contact:
Lisa Maynard, Public Relations and Social Media Manager, Cancer Council Queensland
Ph: (07) 3634 5171 or 0488 015 702
E: lisamaynard@cancerqld.org.au