Smoking kills

Tobacco smoking is one of the largest causes of preventable illness and death worldwide. Smoking causes a range of cancers, as well as heart disease, stroke and emphysema. Tobacco causes more illness and death than any other drug.

Up to two in three people who smoke throughout their lifetime will die from their habit, and on average they die about 10 years earlier than people who do not smoke. The good news is that quitting at any age reduces these risks.

Smoke-free rules#

Many places restrict where people can smoke or use electronic cigarettes in order to protect others from second-hand smoke. Common smoke-free areas include:

• indoor workplaces and public buildings
• public transport and the areas around stations and stops
• the grounds and entrances of schools, childcare centres and children’s play areas
• outdoor dining areas where food is served
• cars carrying children
• playgrounds, swimming pools, sporting venues and patrolled beaches

Local laws vary, so it is worth checking the rules that apply where you live.

What is in tobacco smoke#

Tobacco smoke contains more than 7,000 chemicals. At least 70 of them are known to cause cancer. They include:

• tar, a mixture of chemicals
• nicotine, an addictive substance
• carbon monoxide, also found in car exhaust fumes
• ammonia, also found in floor cleaner
• arsenic, also found in ant poison

Smoking causes cancer of the lung, throat, mouth, nose, voice box, oesophagus, pancreas, liver, stomach, kidney, bladder, ureter, bowel, ovary, cervix and bone marrow (myeloid leukaemia). Tobacco smoke also causes heart disease, stroke and emphysema.

Why smoking is addictive#

Nicotine, which occurs naturally in tobacco plants, is the drug that makes people want to keep on smoking. Research has shown that, like heroin, nicotine is addictive.

When people start smoking regularly, the body becomes used to nicotine and needs a regular dose. One reason people continue to smoke is to avoid withdrawal symptoms, which can be very unpleasant. Withdrawal can bring about physical and emotional changes, which may include:

• cravings
• irritability, frustration, depression and anxiety
• restlessness and difficulty concentrating
• changed sleeping patterns
• increased appetite and some weight gain

Withdrawal symptoms are all signs that the body is recovering and getting used to living without nicotine. On average, most symptoms are gone within two to four weeks, although some people have a few symptoms for longer. Some people gain weight, particularly in the first few months, but this tends to decrease with time.

Getting help to quit#

Research shows that most people who smoke have tried to quit. They are aware of the health problems smoking causes, for themselves and the people around them, and they realise they spend a lot of money on cigarettes. Help is available if you want to quit.

Some things that can help include:

• counselling or support, for example from your doctor
• nicotine replacement products such as patches, gum, inhalators, lozenges and mouth spray
• quitting medication such as bupropion or varenicline

People who have the best chance of quitting are those who get some support. Talk to your doctor about the type of help that is best for you, as medication used to quit smoking is not suitable for everyone. Most people who smoke try to quit several times before they manage to quit for good.

Having a cigarette does not mean failure#

A setback does not mean you have failed. You can learn from it and succeed the next time.

Key points#

• Tobacco smoking is one of the largest causes of preventable illness and death
• Smoking causes a range of cancers, as well as heart disease, stroke and emphysema
• Tobacco causes more illness and death than any other drug
• At least 70 of the chemicals in tobacco smoke are known to cause cancer
• Most people who smoke want to quit, and support and medication can help

Where to get help#