STOPTOBER – Firing Up The Nation’s Stop Smoking Challenge

On the 8 September Public Health England launched its latest Stoptober campaign aimed at encouraging people across the country to stop smoking from the 1 October for 28 days (and beyond). Evidence shows that if a smoker can stop for 28 days they are five times more likely to stay smoke-free. The campaign is supported by local NHS Stop Smoking Services, Local Authorities, pharmacies, retailers and large employers. This support is backed by a national TV, radio, press and online campaign running for 6 weeks. So most people are likely to have heard about it - but what's the evidence base, how does it work and why is it necessary?

The aim of Stoptober is not just to encourage people to stop smoking but, importantly, to stay smoke-free. Signing up to the campaign (on https://stoptober.smokefree.nhs.uk) provides people with daily information and support. People can also sign up to receive a free pack containing further tips on how to stop smoking and distraction techniques to help stay smoke free, there is also an app to track progress and text support over the 28 days of the campaign. Stoptober has increased in popularity due to growing evidence of its effectiveness. So far, in 2014, some 258,299 people have joined the campaign. Compared to 250,000 people who completed the 4-week smoke-free challenge in 2013 and the 160,000 in 2012.

In launching the 2014 campaign, PHE drew attention to new research which shows that someone who quits smoking for Stoptober, and doesn't smoke again, could gain an extra seven days of life, every 28 days, for the rest of their life. Along with health benefits, stopping can save the average smoker over £150 a month and almost £2,000 a year. During last year's Stoptober campaign, some £25 million was saved by people not buying cigarettes.

In addition to this campaign, smokers can also access new technologies to assist them in stopping smoking. The NHS App library contains four recommended and medically reviewed apps that have been designed to help people stop smoking. The most recent data about the reduction in the number of smokers in England are encouraging, indicating that only 18.7 per cent of the English population now smoke.1This is the lowest figure since 1974. As a consequence, the annual expenditure on tobacco has reduced from almost £20 billion in 2005 to £15 billion in 2013.2

Nonetheless those who smoke are still exposed to a number of serious health risks, including a significantly increased risk of dying...