Number of people quitting smoking on the increase

The number of people in Doncaster quitting cigarettes by using the Yorkshire Smokefree service has increased by more than a quarter in the past year.
Labour's Pat Knight, who won the Doncaster Council election for the Hatfield ward.Labour's Pat Knight, who won the Doncaster Council election for the Hatfield ward.
Labour's Pat Knight, who won the Doncaster Council election for the Hatfield ward.

In 2015/16 1338 people stopped smoking, a big increase on 2014/15 when 1058 people quit.

Councillor Pat Knight, cabinet portfolio holder for public health and wellbeing said: “This is encouraging news and I am pleased to see more people in Doncaster quitting. Smoking is a big concern and I would encourage smokers to access Yorkshire Smokefree’s services.”

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It comes as Yorkshire Smokefree is taking part in the national ‘Be clear on cancer’ campaign - running for fourteen weeks between July 14 and October 16 focusing on respiratory symptoms.

In Yorkshire and Humber lung cancer rates are above the national average and have increased significantly over recent years particularly among women.

Smoking is the main cause of lung cancer and is responsible for more than 85 per cent of cases.

Simon Lister, Service Manager, Yorkshire Smoke Free said: “During the campaign we’ll be asking all of our clients if they’ve had a cough for the last 3 weeks. If so we’ll be signposting them to their GP, as early diagnosis of lung cancer is very important in terms of survival rates.”