Smoking is Australia's most common cause of preventable death. 80% of lung cancer cases in Australia are caused by smoking. However, smoking also causes 15 other types of cancer. It's not just lung cancer. We know that most smokers want to quit, and most smokers, in fact, in Australia have made a quit attempt in the last year. So if you are a smoker and are trying to quit, you're certainly not alone. Most people who quit notice changes straight away. They might find it a little easier to breathe, to do other sorts of activities in their daily life and a sense of relief in some cases that they're no longer having to reach for their cigarette or their vape all of the time.
Quitting is hard, but you don't have to quit alone. There are lots of supports that are available to people who would like to quit. Could be calling the Quitline. Could be speaking to your GP or your nurse practitioner about smoking cessation medications that can help you. You can download the My QuitBuddy app that provides you with hints and tips and information from other people who've quit that can help to support your quitting journey. But really, it comes down to don't stop trying to quit. Quitting is something that will take a while for most people, and continuing to keep at it is really important. If it doesn't work the first time, try again, make a plan, seek out supports, because we know it's possible to quit. It just, for most people, takes a couple of turns. If you keep trying, then other people have quit, you'll be able to do the same.