With the new year right around the corner, quitting smoking will once again feature as a popular resolution among the world's 1 billion smokers.Millions of smokers worldwide want to quit tobacco for good. In fact, according to the World Health Organization, about 780 million smokers worldwide say they want to quit, but only 30% of them have access to the tools that can help them do so.

Irrespective of how long you have smoked, quitting will benefit your health in both the immediate and long-term future. Quitting has been shown to lower risks of lung and other smoking-attributable cancers such as coronary artery disease, stroke and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) while improving lung function and symptoms.

Whilst going 'cold turkey' may seem like the quickest and easiest option, research suggests that for most people, it's unlikely to be effective in the long term.Dr. Hays, a renowned expert in tobacco use and dependence, states that 'Out of 100 smokers trying to quit cold turkey, about three to five will succeed past six months. While some smokers can and do quit cold turkey, 95% or more are unsuccessful.'

Indeed, willpower is important when quitting cigarettes, but it's easier when combined with some extra cessation support.With the W.H.O. having stated that over 70% of the 1.3 billion smokers worldwide lack access to the tools they need to quit successfully,the gap in access to cessation services is clear for all to see.

Adopting an approach to minimise the harm caused by smoking should be guided by the fact that the adverse health effects caused by tobacco smoking are not triggered by nicotine, but by toxic chemicals released during combustion (burning). Switching completely to electronic cigarette use is less harmful than continuing to smoke. Non-combustible alternative nicotine products (e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches, lozenges, snus, heat-not-burn products) can serve as options and aid adult smokers to quit smoking successfully in 2024.

With cessation support and will power, a smoke-free lifestyle is within reach. This 2024, the New Year falls on a Monday, a perfect opportunity to embark on your quitting journey.

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