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Helping addicted smokers quit

Up to two thirds of long-term smokers will die prematurely from illnesses such as cancer, heart and respiratory disease caused by smoking.

Even those who are already sick from smoking benefit from quitting because it will reduce their symptoms, improve treatment outcomes and increase their chances of survival. Read more on the health benefits of stopping smoking.

Smoking is highly addictive and quit success can be increased up to threefold with the help of behavioural support and pharmacological treatment. Smokers can find help to quit at NHS Smokefree and check online for their local stop smoking service.

For more information about how local stop smoking services help to reduce smoking see ASH briefings:

The NCSCT provides training and assessment programmes for stop smoking advisers and conducts research into behavioural support for smoking cessation.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) issues guidance on smoking cessation.