Smoking remains the biggest cause of lung cancer so the best way to reduce your risk of getting lung cancer is to quit smoking.
It is equally important to quit smoking if you have already been diagnosed with lung cancer as research suggests this can help you respond better to treatment.
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Smoking cessation tools
There are many different support services and smoking cessation tools to help you quit.
Vaping / E-Cigarettes
Vapes are now one of the most effective tools for quitting smoking. They work by letting you inhale nicotine in an aerosol, or vapour, instead of smoke. Find out more about how vapes work.
It is important to remember that vapes are not completely harmful and should be used a temporary support aid to help you quit.
E-cigarettes are not currently available from the NHS on prescription, so you cannot get one from your GP. Get advice from a specialist vape shop or a local Stop Smoking Service.
Stop Smoking Medicines
Stop smoking medicines manage the symptoms of withdrawing from nicotine, preventing the cravings and issues such as irritability, headaches and insomnia. These stop smoking medicines are usually in the form of tablets or nicotine replacement therapies.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)
Nicotine replacement therapies, or NRT, work by providing you with a small amount of the addictive nicotine, with none of the poisonous chemicals and toxins that come with cigarettes. NRT can be used for longer periods of time if required as the treatment is much safer than smoking, and treatment can last from 8-12 weeks.
Nicotine Patches
Commonly used, these nicotine patches can be worn on the skin 2 hours a day, releasing nicotine directly into the bloodstream. The patches are easy to use and available with a 16 or 24-hour dose.
Nicotine Gum
Nicotine gum is available in two strengths, depending on how often you smoke. For those who smoke over 20 cigarettes a day it is recommended to use the stronger 4mg gum, and the weaker 2mg for less than 20 a day. Whichever you use, you must chew the nicotine gum regularly throughout the day, remembering to rest it between your gum and cheek to ensure maximum absorption.
Inhalator
An inhalator works by releasing nicotine vapour when sucked into your blood stream through the lining of the mouth. This can help quitters who miss the hand-to-mouth action of smoking. Each inhalator lasts for approximately 400 puffs, and you should use them for a total of 12 weeks.
Microtabs
Designed to be placed under your tongue, Microtabs release nicotine as they dissolve which is absorbed through the lining of the mouth. It shouldn’t be chewed, sucked or swallowed however as this prevents them from working correctly.
Lozenges
Lozenges are to be sucked slowly then left to sit between the gum and cheek where the nicotine can be absorbed, taking around half an hour. These should be used for about 12 weeks, reducing the quantity during the period.
Nasal Sprays
Ideal for those with a heavy nicotine addiction. Nicotine is sprayed through the nose cavities and rapidly absorbed through the blood vessels in the nose to relieve cravings quickly. Nasal sprays have the benefits of working much faster than gum or lozenges.
We recommend speaking to your doctor to see what the best option might be for you. There are also local stop smoking services available around the country which can offer support and advice.
“Just knowing I wasn’t alone and there were people who really understood what I was going through helped. It seemed to give me a shield against nicotine!“
Peter, Quit Support member
Immediate and long-term benefits of quitting
As soon as you stop your body will start to feel the benefits of quitting smoking – and you’ll go on feeling the health benefits for the rest of your life.
After 20 minutes
Your blood pressure and pulse rate will return to normal.
Your circulation improves.
Your hands and feet start to feel warmer.
After 8 hours
The nicotine and carbon monoxide levels in your blood will be cut by half.
Your oxygen levels return to normal.
Your risk of having a heart attack will fall.
24 – 48 hours
The carbon monoxide levels in your body will be the same as non-smoker.
Your body becomes nicotine free.
Your lungs will start to clear out mucus.
Your sense of smell and taste improve.
After 72 hours
Your airway passages relax and breathing gets easier.
Your energy levels start to increase.
2-12 weeks
Your circulation improves further and walking gets easier.
3 – 9 months
Your lung function increases by up to 10%.
You’ll cough less and have fewer breathing problems, including reduced wheezing.
After 5 years
Your risk of having a heart attack will halve.
After 12 years
Your chance of developing of lung cancer falls to more than half compared to someone who smokes.
After 15 years
Your chance of getting lung cancer are almost the same as someone who has never smoked.
Improve your health and save money
When you quit, you are also improving the health of those closest to you. Quitting also helps improve your chances of starting a family or getting pregnant.
The average person will also save around £2,338 per year.