say bye to smoking

One fifth of smokers are planning to try and give up smoking today (March 12th) to mark the 25th annual No Smoking Day, a poll has found.

An estimated 2.25 million people will be taking part in the event, in which local stop smoking services, employers and GPs all provide help, support and advice to smokers who wish to kick the habit.

Researchers from YouGov also found that the recent introduction of the public smoking ban has had a major impact, with 23 per cent of smokers cutting down since it came into force and many citing it as a factor in their decision to quit.

Dr Hilary Jones, resident doctor at GMTV, said: 'It's fantastic to see so many people committing to quit on No Smoking Day. If you'd like to stop, join the millions of smokers ready to change their lives for the better on March 12th.'

The charity Cancer Research UK said that smokers should treat the event as 'a golden opportunity to stop smoking for good'.

Jean King, the charity's director of tobacco control, said: 'Giving up smoking is by far and away the best thing you can do to reduce your risk of cancer.

'Stopping smoking at any age will add valuable years to your life, but the earlier you quit the better.'