With smoking rates in WA at 10.4 per cent, Cancer Council WA is urging people who smoke to use World No Tobacco Day on May 31, as motivation to quit smoking.
Cancer Council WA Cancer Prevention and Research Director, Melissa Ledger, said that while the state has made enormous progress in reducing smoking rates, tobacco use continues to take a heavy toll on individuals, families and the health system.
“This year marks 25 years of Cancer Council WA’s Make Smoking History program and over the last 20 years, the percentage of WA adults who smoke has more than halved, from 24 per cent in 2002 down to just under 11 per cent in 2022[1],” Ms Ledger said.
“Despite this progress, tobacco smoking is still one of the leading causes of preventable death and disease in Australia and continues to have devastating impacts on those affected by smoking-related illness, including 16 different types of cancer, such as lung, stomach, bladder, head and neck cancers.
“Smoking also increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes, and weakens the immune system, so smokers get sick more often.”
Ms Ledger said no matter how long people have smoked for, there are always benefits to quitting smoking.
“The good news is that quitting smoking helps the body start to heal,” she said.
“In the first few days people can expect withdrawal symptoms like body aches, mood swings, cravings, stress and trouble sleeping, however these symptoms are temporary.
“Quitting is a learning process, which is why it can take people many attempts before quitting for good.
“People that smoke can learn their triggers to smoking, so they can find the right tools to use to stay smoke-free.
“For example, if you always smoke first thing in the morning, try jumping straight in the shower instead.
“If you smoke when stressed, try a deep breathing exercise, listening to music, a walk around the block or sipping water through a straw.
“We have lots of tips and a free quit-planner at makesmokinghistory.tips to get people that currently smoke started on their next quit attempt.
“Or call the Quitline on 13 7848 or chat to a Quitline counsellor online. They’ve been helping people quit for decades and can work people through a personalised plan.”
