Scots are being urged to give up smoking to prolong their lives with a new national campaign.
Public health minister Jenni Minto and Public Health Scotland (PHS) have highlighted the benefits of the Quit Your Way campaign to coincide with No Smoking Day.
It targets adults aged 35 to 64 who smoke – which is around 730,000 people, or 11% of Scotland’s total population – to make use of the NHS stop-smoking service.
Ms Minto has also backed the Action on Smoking and Health (Ash) Scotland charity’s Quit And Win campaign, which highlights the benefits of quitting.
Quit and win on No Smoking Day!
See the benefits in four major aspects of your life when you stop smoking🫁 Health 🏃 Fitness👨👩👦 Family💷 Finances
Visit https://t.co/sS5WbSvxbU for free support and advice to stop smoking.#NSD24 pic.twitter.com/eTJ3f5gF0k
— ASH Scotland (@ASHScotland) March 13, 2024
The charity argues the average smoker would save more than £3,000 within 12 months and significantly reduce the risks of developing lung, throat or oesophageal cancer after five to 10 years being tobacco-free.
The public health minister said: “Stopping smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health and this is why this campaign is so important.
“Even if you have tried to quit before, I would encourage anyone who smokes tobacco to contact the free NHS Quit Your Way stop-smoking service which offers personalised advice by phone and webchat. The trained advisers can also refer you to free local NHS services which are ready to help you stop smoking in a way that is right for you.”
Dr Garth Reid, consultant in public health at PHS, said: “Smoking remains one of the biggest causes of ill health and premature death in Scotland, and it results in more than 8,000 deaths every year.
“People who smoke are likely to experience a range of health conditions associated with smoking, including poorer mental health. These risks substantially fall with stopping smoking, and the health benefits start to happen quickly – even for people who have smoked for a long time.
“Quit Your Way can help anyone trying to stop smoking in Scotland, whenever they are ready – it’s always a good time to quit.”
National No Smoking Day is Wednesday.
Sheila Duffy, chief executive at Ash Scotland, said: “We are delighted to have the public health minister’s support for our Quit And Win campaign on No Smoking Day.
“Whether you’re trying to give up smoking for the first time or trying again, make a commitment to yourself and those you care about on No Smoking Day to contact Quit Your Way Scotland.”
Anyone who has the goal of giving up smoking is advised to visit QuitYourWay.scot, or call the free helpline on 0800 848484.