Facts:
- There are around 35,600 lung cancer deaths in the UK every year, that's 98 every day (2014-2016).
- Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer death in the UK, accounting for 21% of all cancer deaths (2016).
- More than 200.000 UK children start smoking every year. Around 207.000 children aged 11-15 start smoking in the UK every year according to research. This means that nearly 570 children are lighting up and becoming smokers for the first time every day.
- Smoking raises the chance of dying from cancer of the larynx, mouth, esophagea, bladder, kidney and pancreas as well as from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), heart failure and other heart conditions, stroke and diabetes.
It always makes sense to quit smoking, even for a short period.
After just 20 minutes the effects can be noticed in your body.
- after 20 minutes: the bloodpressure and heartbeat go down
- after 24 hours: your lungs are starting the great clean up; you likely cough up saliva; all the carbon monoxide has left the body
- after 48 hours: your body is free of nicotine. Your sense of smell and taste are increasing
- after 72 hours: you have more energy; breathing becomes easier
- after 2-12 weeks: your lung function and blood circulation have improved
- after 1 month: your overall condition has improved and you move easier; if you had a smoker's cough, it has disappeared
- after 1 year: your risk of cardiovascular disease has now been halved. The risk of getting other deseases decreases year by year
- after 5-15 years: the risk of getting a stroke is the same as for a non-smoker
- after 10 years: the increased risk of lung cancer is halved and the risk of getting other types of cancer reduced
- after 15 years: the risk of a cardiovascular disease is at the same level of a non-smoker
Ways to QUIT SMOKING
- With the help of your general practioner and/or psychologist
- Hypnosis - A therapist is available at the Centro Mar y Salud
- Nicotine substitutes, available in patches and chewing gum
- Medication
- The Alan Carr stop smoking course
- Group therapy
Information:
YouTube.com: Johann Cruyff, former Netherlands professional soccer player "No Tobacco”
YouTube.com: How do cigarettes affect the body? - Krishna Quit YouTube.com: Quit Smoking Advice - Allen Carr Trimbosinstituut:
YouTube.com: What is the Single Best Thing You Can Do to Quit Smoking?
