Cancer Council WA is encouraging West Australians who smoke to start their quit smoking journey this World No Tobacco Day, with data1 showing high nicotine dependence can be associated with the likelihood of spending money on tobacco rather than on household essentials.
World No Tobacco Day is Wednesday 31 May 2023, and this year’s theme is ‘We need food, not tobacco’.
Cancer Council WA Make Smoking History Manager, Libby Jardine, said with the rising cost of living, World No Tobacco Day was a good time for people who smoke to reflect on how much money tobacco is eating away at their ability to provide healthy food for themselves and their loved ones.
“Smoking is expensive. Currently, a typical 25 pack of cigarettes costs $42 and the price for 25g of roll your own/loose tobacco is $55,2“Ms Jardine said.
For those who smoke a packet of cigarettes per day, quitting smoking would mean an extra $294 a week, $1,176 a month, and $15,288 a year.
“With the cost of cigarettes increasing in September 2023, you could save even more if you quit smoking now.
“Currently, a typical pack of 25 cigarettes costs the same as it does to feed a family of four a healthy breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks for a whole day.
“People who smoke are also needing to cover health-care costs due to smoking-related illnesses such as medication and having more time off work.
“Smoking harms nearly every organ of the body and can cause many serious conditions including 16 types of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and lung disease.
“Smoking can have a negative impact on your mental health and can contribute to significant financial stress. The good news is, as soon as you quit, your body starts to repair itself.
“There’s never been a better time to quit smoking, not just for your health and loved ones, but also your wallet.”
Statistics
Prevalence of current smoking by regions in 20213
| Region | Prevalence % (2021) |
| State | 9.9 |
| East Metro | 9.9 |
| North Metro | 8.4 |
| South Metro | 8.8 |
| Goldfields | 12.8 |
| Great Southern | 10.9 |
| Kimberley | 19.4 |
| Midwest | 13.1 |
| Pilbara | 16.5 |
| South West | 10.9 |
| Wheatbelt | 13.7 |
Smoking is much higher in regional WA than metropolitan WA. According to the latest WA Health and Wellbeing Surveillance System survey:
- Smoking rates in the Kimberley are almost double the state average
- Smoking rates in the Pilbara are 1.5 times higher than the state average.
- Smoking rates in the Wheatbelt are 1.4 times higher than the state average.
- Smoking rates in the Goldfields and Midwest are 1.3 times higher than the state average.
- Smoking rates in the South West and Great Southern are 1.1 times higher than the state average.
- Smoking rates in WA are at 9.9%, which is still nearly double our Cancer Council WA target of 5% by 2030.
Support
Resources to get started on the quit journey:
- Visit makesmokinghistory.org.au/tips for all the best tips to quit and stay quit
- Try our free, interactive quit planner or request a quit kit to be mailed to you. A Quit Kit includes hard copies of: Quit Because You Can Booklet, Stop Smoking Medications Guide, Quit Planner, Pocket Guide to Quitting
- Download the free My QuitBuddy app
- Chat to your GP, Aboriginal Health Worker, Pharmacist, or local community service
