1 in 8 of all cancer cases in Australia are caused by smoking. Among other health benefits, quitting smoking reduces your risk of cancer over time.
Trying to quit can feel overwhelming. We know lots of people try many times before they stop smoking for good. You may even feel like you’ve tried everything. We get what you’re going through, and we're here to help.
You'll have the best chance of quitting for good if you:
1. Talk to Quitline (13 7848). Quitline counsellors are qualified experts in helping people break free from smoking. They will find quit strategies that work for you. Quitline counsellors can also support you if you are using e-cigarettes to stop smoking and can help you stop vaping. Read more about how Quitline can help.
2. Use stop smoking medication, like the nicotine patch and gum, to help manage symptoms of nicotine withdrawal
3. Speak with your GP. Your GP can discuss your options and give you a script for cheaper stop smoking medication. See What to ask your GP.
There are lots of ways to contact Quitline
There are many ways to get in touch with Quitline:
Call 13 7848 Mon - Fri 8am to 8pm
Text 'call back' to 0482 090 634
Webchat at quit.org.au
Message us on Facebook Messenger @quitvic or WhatsApp 61 385 832 920
Request a callback using the online form:
Quitline is a culturally safe space. We have information in Arabic, Mandarin and Simplified Chinese and Vietnamese, and a Quitline counsellor can speak with you in languages other than English through an interpreter service. You can ask to yarn with an Aboriginal Quitline counsellor. We work with LGBTIQ+ communities - Quitline counsellors can chat with you in a culturally appropriate and accessible way and you'll find peers working in the service.
Smoking causes 16 cancers. You have one clear way to reduce your risk
Tobacco smoking is the leading cause of cancer in Australia. Lung cancer was the first major disease linked to tobacco smoking. There is now evidence that smoking causes 16 types of cancers:
Lung, mouth (oral cavity), throat (pharynx), oesophagus, stomach, bowel (colorectal), liver, pancreas, nose and sinuses, voice box (larynx), cervix, ovary, bladder, kidney, ureter and bone marrow (myeloid leukaemia).