UK sees surge in smokers trying to quit, research reveals

University College London’s Smoking Toolkit Study show that in England in 2020 there has been an increase of nearly a quarter (22%) in quit attempts compared to 2019 and an increase of almost two-thirds in the quitting success rate from 14% to 23%, the highest since at least 2007.

In addition, Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) has calculated that more than a million people in the UK stopped smoking during the coronavirus lockdown.

Jo Churchill, public health minister, said: “It has never been more important to take care of ourselves, and quitting smoking is a great way to start. With smoking rates already at an all-time low and 2020 seeing more people stopping than ever, I urge all smokers to join in Stoptober to improve their health and help England become a smoke-free society by 2030.”

Scott Crosby, tobacco control programme manager at Public Health England, added: “2020 has been an unprecedented year for all of us and has reminded us how important our health is.

“We are pleased to see that quitting rates have been extremely high so far this year and Stoptober is back to help support England’s remaining smokers to join in the national quit attempt.

“It is never too late to quit. Even if you have an existing smoking-related condition, stopping smoking brings immediate health benefits.”

Leading UK health organisations including ASH, British Lung Foundation, British Heart Foundation, and Cancer Research UK are joining in the call to get smokers in England to give quitting a go this Stoptober.

Stoptober provides the information and supports people need to quit smoking for 28 days, based on research that if a smoker can make it to 28 days smokefree, they are five times more likely to quit for good.

This year, Stoptober is offering a range of free support tools for those looking to quit, including digital services that are easily accessible for those looking for online support. These tools include the Stoptober app, Facebook messenger bot and online communities, text message, and daily emails. There is also a Personal Quit Plan that helps people find a combination of stop smoking support that’s right for them

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