There has never been a better time to quit smoking: new data published today shows quitting success rates at their highest for at least a decade, up to 19.8% for the first six months of this year, significantly higher than the average for the last 10 years (15.7%).
Success rates among the less well-off have for years remained stubbornly low, but in a major turnaround the sharp increase in success rates is being seen entirely among this group.
For the first time, smokers in manual occupational groups have virtually the same chances of quitting as those in white collar jobs.
More smokers are trying to stop smoking, with around 34% of smokers making an attempt to stop over the past year, and more are succeeding. That means smoking rates across the Yorkshire and Humber area are now at their lowest level ever (17.7%) and there are more ex-smokers than current smokers.
The report, from University College, London, coincides with the launch of Stoptober, the quit smoking challenge which has inspired over one and a half million quit attempts since 2012. The campaign is based on research that if you stop smoking for 28 days you are five times more likely to stop for good.
With Stoptober now in its 6th year, the UCL report gives a number of reasons why there’s never been a better time to quit, including:
– better quitting aid options, and more of them, with e-cigarettes now the most popular
– more restrictions on smoking
– banning the use of attractive brand imagery on tobacco packaging;
– a strong anti-smoking culture in England and
– supportive stop smoking campaigns such as Stoptober.
Last year over half (53%) of all those taking part in Stoptober opted to use an e-cigarette as a quitting aid. This year the campaign will feature e-cigarettes in the TV ad and will do more to encourage and support smokers who are keen to try e-cigarettes to help them stop smoking.
Councillor Jane Evison, portfolio holder for transforming lifestyles at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said:
“Stopping can be difficult and we want to encourage people to join the challenge and accept our support and encouragement through this tough time.
“There are many support tools available to those who want to stop as well as local stop smoking services in the East Riding.
“Sign up today to make a start on changing your life for the better.”
Scott Cosby, tobacco policy manager from Breathe 2025, said:
“There really has never been a better time to stop smoking, with a fantastic range of options available, to help you succeed.”
“Whether it’s e-cigarettes, apps, or meeting up face to face with an adviser from the most effective local stop smoking services in the country, there’s support that will work for you, wherever you are across Yorkshire and the Humber.”
“Give it a go: if you stop smoking for 28 days this Stoptober, you’re five times more likely to stop for good.”
Robert West, Professor of Health Psychology and Director of Tobacco Studies at University College London, said:
“Quitting success rates are higher than ever. I think the advances and wider choice of effective quitting options and a strong anti-smoking culture are fuelling this acceleration.”
“Thinking about giving up may be daunting, but all the evidence shows there has never been an easier to time to stop. Quitting needn’t be the painful journey it used to be and the support you’ll get from Stoptober will increase your chances of succeeding.”
The campaign starts on 1 October. Search ‘Stoptober’ online for all the support you need to quit.
