English smokers being encourage to give up for 28 days – and longer

Smokers inEnglandare being encouraged to stop smoking for 28 days from October 1, according to a note on the Department of Health’s Media Centre website.

The campaign, Stoptober, is based on research showing that ‘those who stop smoking for 28 days are five times more likely to stay smoke-free’. Presumably, the unfinished comparison is with those who stop smoking for a period of less than 28 days.

Stoptober, which is said to be ‘the first ever mass quit attempt for smokers’, was launched on Saturday by the chief medical officer, Professor Dame Sally Davies.

‘The innovative campaign comes as smoking remains the biggest killer inEnglandwith half of long-term smokers dying prematurely from smoking related diseases,’ the note said.

‘Stoptober which takes place from 1 October and is backed by Cancer ResearchUKand British Heart Foundation is the first 28 day quit attempt of its kind to encourage the nation’s [England’s] eight million smokers to make the step towards a smoke-free future.

‘Smokers will receive support and encouragement through TV and radio advertising which goes live on Monday 10 September, plus a daily messaging service and road shows around the country.’

“Smoking is still the biggest cause of premature death inEngland, taking more than 100,000 lives in theUK[England,Scotland,WalesandNorthern Ireland] every year,” Davies was quoted as saying.

‘The new campaign is also supported by the Stoptober app (available free via Smartphone) as well as the Smokefree Facebook page with additional tips and advice,’ the note said.

‘The giant Stoptober wheel will tour the country throughout Stoptober and encourage smokers everywhere to stop smoking and take part,’ the note added.