Although smoking rates in Europe are higher than for any other region in the world, the encouraging statistics show a significant improvement in smoking cessation over the last decade (from 2002-2012). In Europe, smoking accounts for 25% of all deaths in men and 7% of all deaths in women (85% of these smoking-related deaths are attributable to lung cancer).
Daily smoking rates have declined in all European countries over the last decade, except in Greece, and in time this should cause a corresponding reduction in smoking-related illnesses. This reduction is attributed to the increasingly stricter tobacco regulations that have been applied, since the first studies showed a link with smoking and cancer in the 1950’s.
Quitting smoking has immediate and long term benefits; from improvement to one’s circulation and lung function after just a few weeks, to halving the risk of coronary heart disease only 1 year after quitting.
Pharmacists have an opportunity to connect with their patients in an informal consultation to offer real support and advice to those who are considering ‘kicking the habit’, so do not lose heart with your smoking cessation campaigns. British Heart Foundation’s ‘No Smoking Day’ is taking place on Wednesday, 11 March 2015.
Catherine Philip