Quitting Smoking Saves Lives: New Research Reveals that Smoking just one cigarette can reduce life expectancy by about 20 minutes a day
- NATIONAL COUNCIL AGAINST SMOKING
- Dec 31, 2024
- 2 min read
31 December 2024
Media Release
For Immediate Release
Quitting Smoking Saves Lives: New Research Reveals that Smoking just one cigarette can reduce life expectancy by about 20 minutes a day
As the year comes to an end, the National Council Against Smoking (NCAS) is calling on smokers to embrace 2025 as the year to quit smoking and reclaim their health. New research from University College London highlights the alarming risks of smoking, showing that just one cigarette shortens life by 20 minutes a day -double previous estimates.
For South African smokers, who smoke an average of 8.5 cigarettes daily, this equates to 43 days of life lost each year.
This New Year presents an ideal opportunity to leave cigarettes behind and commit to a healthier life.
Key Research Findings
The research from University College London highlights that:
- Smoking a single pack of 20 cigarettes reduces life expectancy by 7 hours.
- Women smokers are particularly vulnerable, losing more life expectancy per cigarette compared to men due to heightened sensitivity to toxicants in tobacco.
- On average, smokers lose a decade of life, with health deteriorating faster. A 60-year-old smoker may have the health profile of a 70-year-old non-smoker.
- By quitting on 1 January, smokers can reclaim a day of life expectancy within just a week and up to 50 days by the end of the year if they smoke 10 cigarettes daily.
Why Quitting Completely is Crucial
Gradually cutting down is not enough. Research shows that reducing cigarette intake often leads to deeper inhalation or more frequent smoking to maintain nicotine levels, increasing exposure to harmful toxins. Only complete cessation restores health and adds years to life expectancy.
NCAS emphasizes the profound benefits of quitting:
10-11 years of life expectancy can be regained.
Risk of diseases such as heart attacks, strokes, and cancer decrease significantly.
Improved quality of life, free from the health and financial burdens of smoking.
Tips for a Smoke-Free 2025
- Set a Quit Date: Commit to a start date like 1 January and prepare by removing triggers and developing alternatives to smoking.
- Understand Triggers: Identify when and why you smoke to plan strategies to overcome cravings.
- Get Support: Use the NCAS Quitline and involve family and friends to keep motivated.
NCAS offers support to help you quit:
Call: 011 720 3145
WhatsApp: 072 766 4812
The Financial and Health Costs of Smoking
Quitting smoking not only saves lives but also saves money. The average South African smoker spends R7,300 annually on cigarettes-funds that could be used for healthcare, education, or family needs.
Quitting also protects loved ones from the dangers of secondhand smoke, which increases the risk of heart disease and cancer.
As South Africa faces a smoking prevalence rate of 29.4%, the highest in Africa, NCAS urges both smokers and the government to act. The passage of the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill is critical to creating a supportive environment for quitting and reducing tobacco use.
Let 2025 be the year you quit smoking for good.
-ENDS-
For further information, please contact:
National Council Against Smoking
Dr. Sharon Nyatsanza
Deputy Director
Email: sharon@againstsmoking.org.za
See The price of a cigarette: 20 minutes of life? https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/add.16757
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