Stoptober: can 28-day health campaign help smokers quit?

Hundreds of thousands of smokers across the country have signed up to 'Stoptober' in a bid to kick the habit. The 28-day national campaign begins today – but what's it all about and does it really work?

What is Stoptober?

The government campaign encourages smokers to give up cigarettes for 28 days during October. Those who have registered to take part in Stoptober will receive a free advice pack, as well as a mobile phone app and text support throughout the month.

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How many people smoke in the UK?

Ten million adults - around 16 per cent of the total population – currently smoke, according to public health charity Action on Smoking and Health. This is a huge reduction since 1974, when nearly half the adult population smoked. However, every year, over 100,000 smokers in the UK still die from smoking-related causes. About two-thirds of current smokers say they would like to stop smoking but only about 35 per cent actually attempt to kick the habit in a given year.

Are there any benefits to stopping for just 28 days?

Research shows that those who stop smoking for 28 days are five times more likely to stay smoke-free for good and going a month without lighting can even extend your life by up to a week. Smokers are encouraged to give up with friends, family and colleagues, as evidence reveals that "social quitting" can dramatically improve people’s chances of giving up for good.

Does Stoptober actually work?

Over a quarter of a million people signed up to Stoptober last year with more than half making it to 28 days. This year, the campaign expects to welcome the millionth sign up. "The benefits of stopping smoking are almost immediate: quitters will soon see reduced blood pressure, easier breathing and better circulation," says professor Kevin Fenton from Public Health England.

Rhod Gilbert is one of several comedians who have been touring the country encouraging people to quit. "I smoked for about 25 years and probably spent 23 of those trying to quit, trying everything you can think of to kick the habit," he said."I know firsthand that it can be hard to find the motivation to quit, but Stoptober is the perfect time to give it a go."