Take a breath this World No Tobacco Day!
Today is World No Tobacco Day (Friday 31 May) and Cancer Council ACT is encouraging all smokers to give their lungs a break from tobacco smoke, even if it’s just for one day.
This year’s international theme is ‘Tobacco and Lung Health’ and focuses on the negative impact that tobacco has on people’s lung health.
Cancer Council ACT CEO, Sandra Turner, says that although the 9.5% smoking rate in the ACT is lower than the national rate of 12.8% we still have a long way to go to help those currently smoking - to stop.
“We know smoking is responsible for over two thirds of lung cancer deaths globally, and, according to the World Health Organisation, the risk of lung cancer for someone who quits falls to about half that of a smoker in ten years,” Ms Turner said.
“As well as lung cancer, tobacco smoking is the leading cause for developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and it can also exacerbate asthma, so why not give your lungs a break – even for one day,” said Ms Turner.
This year, Cancer Council ACT is working closely with the Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Service and Canberra Hospital to encourage smokers to quit and give their lungs a breather.
CCACT staff will be at both sites throughout the day promoting services to assist people to quit (times as below – Winnunga will provide a light lunch and games for the kids).
Who: CCACT staff and Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Service staff.
What : Promoting the benefits of quitting.
Why: Tobacco smoke is a major cause of cancer and other lung disease.
Where: Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Service - 63 Boolimba Crescent Narrabundah.
When: Friday 31st May 10.30am – 1.30pm.
(CCACT staff will also be at Canberra Hospital from 9am – 12pm).
For more information visit World No Tobacco Day