Tobacco dependency – why it is everyone’s business

The number of smokers in England has fallen to its lowest level, with just one in six adults (17%) now lighting up, according to the latest DATA from Public Health England.  

However the data also shows there are still over 7 million people regularly lighting up and smoking remains the biggest cause of preventable early death in England, accounting for over 78,000 deaths a year.

The number of smokers in England has fallen to its lowest level, with just one in six adults (17%) now lighting up, according to the latest DATA from Public Health England.

In addition the number of cigarettes sold in England and Wales has dropped by 20% in the last 2 years.

However the data also shows there are still over 7 million people regularly lighting up and smoking remains the biggest cause of preventable early death in England, accounting for over 78,000 deaths a year.

These figures have been published just before the start of Public Health England’s annual Stoptober, mass quitting challenge, on October 1st. The theme is, ‘Stop for 28 days and you are likely to quit for good’.  According to Public Health England use of e-cigarettes, nicotine patches and gum helped 500,000 smokers to kick the habit last year – the highest number on record

This campaign is a great opportunity for healthcare professionals to make a difference and persuade their patients to quit smoking.

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