Quit smoking

If you smoke, Cancer Council strongly recommends that you quit. There is no safe level of tobacco use. Research shows that continuing to smoke increases your risk of developing another type of cancer.

There are many benefits to quitting smoking. Research indicates that quitting after a cancer diagnosis can increase your expected survival time and reduce your risk of developing a new second cancer.

Quitting smoking can also improve your ability to be more physically active and help reduce alcohol consumption, both of which can help you maintain a healthy weight.

Many people who smoke find quitting difficult. Seek support and don’t be discouraged if it takes several attempts before you are able to quit for good.

Being diagnosed with stomach cancer gave me the incentive to give up smoking … I feel so much fitter.

Tim

How to quit smoking

• Call Quitline on 13 7848 to talk to an advisor and request a free Quit Pack.
• Ask your doctor for advice about subsidised medicines to help you quit.
• Set a date to quit. Tell your family and friends so they can support you.
• Think of yourself as someone who doesn’t smoke.
• Make your home and car a smoke-free zone.
• Buy a reward with the money you would spend on tobacco.
• Keep a list of all the reasons you want to quit.
• Consider previous quit attempts as practice. Learn from what did and didn’t help.
• Don’t be tempted to “just have one”.
• Avoid tempting situations or plan how you’ll react if you are tempted.
• Distract yourself if you feel tempted, e.g. going for a walk or having a drink of water.
• Get support online – visit QuitCoach or iCanQuit.
• Download a smartphone app such as My QuitBuddy to help you track your