Quit Smoking This StopiOctober
This October, join thousands across the UK in making the decision to quit smoking. No matter your age or how long you’ve smoked, quitting can transform your health, finances, and wellbeing. The theme for StopiOctober 2024, Any Age, Any Stage, encourages everyone to begin their quit journey, whether you’re in your 20s or 70s—it’s never too late to start living smoke-free.
Why Quit?
Smoking is still one of the top causes of preventable illness and death in Wales. But you can change that. Research shows that people who quit for 28 days are 5 times more likely to quit for good. Take the 28-day challenge and discover how stopping smoking can improve your life—and the lives of those around you.
Need support? Combining Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) with professional help significantly increases your chances of quitting. The FREE NHS service Help Me Quit offers expert support to guide you on your journey.
Is It Too Late To Quit?
It’s never too late to quit smoking. Whether you’ve smoked for years or just received a health diagnosis, quitting will benefit you at any stage. Within just 20 minutes of your last cigarette, your body begins to recover.
Research shows that quitting smoking can significantly increase life expectancy, regardless of when you stop. For instance:
People who quit smoking at age 35 can gain an average of 8 years of life, compared to those who continue to smoke.
Even those who quit at ages 65 and above can still add meaningful years to their lives.
Probabilities of gaining at least 1 year of life among those who quit at age 65 are as high as 23.4%, demonstrating that it’s never too late to quit!
20 Minutes
Heart rate and blood pressure return to normal
1 Week
The physical cravings start to ease off
1 Month
Hair and skin look and feel better
1 Year
50% less likely to have a heart attack, heart disease or stroke
1 Years
Chance of death from lung cancer is half that of a smoker
Quitting After A Cancer Diagnosis
There is also the belief that it’s too late to quit smoking after a cancer diagnosis. This isn’t true either.
Studies show that cancer treatment can be more effective if smokers quit at the time of diagnosis. Also, after treatment, quitting limits the risk of some cancers coming back and survival rates improve.
Quitting smoking is and will always be the best choice for your health and the health of those around you.
Get Involved
Help spread the word by using our 2024 Digital Resources Pack. It contains shareable content to inspire and guide people on their quit journey. Together, we can help more people access the support they need.
Campaign History
Launched in 2022 in Wales, this campaign mirrors England’s Stoptober, which has encouraged smokers to quit each October since 2012. Recognized across the UK, ASH Cymru developed StopiOctober to guide Welsh smokers to local services, promoting Welsh statistics, advice, and support.
The Message
Awareness of smoking’s health risks alone isn’t enough to combat addiction, which stems from various motivations, including stress relief and social acceptance.
1. Smoking is an addiction, NOT a habit
Smoking, especially for long-term users, is an addiction fueled by nicotine, which keeps users dependent. Acknowledging it as an addiction is crucial for recovery.
2. Quitting for 28 days makes you 5x more likely to quit for good
If you quit tobacco for October, you’re five times more likely to quit for good. The first four weeks are the hardest, but by day 28, your body starts to recover, making a significant impact on your health.
3. Help is available
Combining Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) with professional support increases your chances of quitting by three times. For assistance, consult your doctor or reach out to the free NHS service, Help Me Quit.
