New warning over cigarette dangers

More than eight million people in England still smoke and one in two smokers die from smoking related diseases each year — costing the NHS £2.7 billion.

The latest warning is part of a national stop smoking campaign which aims to shock people into quitting the habit through hard-hitting adverts.

Barnsley, Rotherham and Doncaster health chiefs are backing the campaign which has been launched by the Department of Health.

Barnsley NHS stop smoking service co-ordinator Zoe Styring said: “Many people underestimate the serious health harms associated with smoking.

“This campaign, which will run for nine weeks, goes back to the hard-hitting approach, which many younger smokers may not have seen.

“It’s important for people to remember though that it’s never too late to stop and figures show you’re four times more likely to quit smoking for good if you use NHS stop smoking services.

“We urge local people considering quitting to get in touch with our service for free support and advice.”

The campaign shows the first shock adverts since the fatty cigarette advert eight years ago.

It comes in response to statistics that show more than a third of smokers still think the health risks associated with smoking are greatly exaggerated.

Designed to show that every cigarette is potentially harmful, the campaign will send a tough message about the dangers of smoking to a new generation of young people.

Since the last campaign, it is estimated that more than 3 million people have been admitted to hospital with a smoking-related disease.

More than 570,000 people are estimated to have died because of a smoking related condition — 195 people each day.

For more information contact Barnsley’s specialist stop smoking service on 01226 737077 or visit www.stopsmokingbarnsley.nhs.uk.