NHS Smoking Service says one in two smokers will die from their habit. NHS Somerset is urging people to protect themselves against lung cancer as part of national Cancer Prevention Week. Smoking is the biggest single risk factor: in the UK approximately one third of all cancer deaths are attributable to smoking. According to the South West Public Health Observatory, the poorest fifth of the population has double the rate of lung cancer than the richest.

While the rates have been steady for the richest women with lung cancer, they have gone up by 30 per cent for the poorest women. Death rates in the poorest women have also gone up by 18 per cent over the last 20 years.

One in two smokers dies prematurely and nearly one in four will die of lung cancer.

Current smokers are fifteen times more likely to die from lung cancer than life-long non-smokers.

Jonathan Chetland from Somerset NHS Stop Smoking Service said: "Smoking is the single biggest contributor to health inequalities, premature death and disease in the UK. More than one in two of all lifelong smokers will die from their habit through diseases such as lung cancer".

"70 per cent of smokers want to quit. Many smokers have tried to unsuccessfully quit on their own and have been put off trying again. The NHS Stop Smoking Service provides a wide range of advice and support.

Give the service a call and talk to a friendly advisor who can help you on the road to a smoke-free life on 0844 568 9840 or visit somersetstopsmoking.nhs

Source
NHS Somerset