Yorkshire Cancer Research has issued a stark warning that more must be done to prevent unnecessary smoking-related deaths in Yorkshire.
The charity acknowledges the recent Tobacco and Vapes Bill passed by the House of Commons but believes that it alone will not suffice to curb the tobacco industry’s harmful marketing practices aimed at smokers. The legislation is designed to foster a “smokefree generation” by incrementally increasing the age at which individuals can purchase cigarettes, ultimately leading to a complete prohibition on legal sales.
Yorkshire Cancer Research is committed to funding £2.7 million in stop smoking services across the region, having already assisted 4,400 individuals in successfully quitting smoking. However, the charity emphasizes the need for additional measures to support smokers in quitting, including increased investment in stop smoking services and a ban on smoking in hospital grounds, playgrounds, and outside schools.
The organisation advocates for providing smoking cessation assistance whenever people seek NHS services. Dr. Stuart Griffiths, Director of Research at Yorkshire Cancer Research, stated, “Addressing tobacco use is crucial in Yorkshire and beyond. Many of the innovative measures in the Tobacco and Vapes Bill could be essential in reducing smoking-related harm.” He added, “It’s vital that the Government prioritises high-quality, well-resourced stop smoking services to accompany the Bill. Individuals utilizing support services are up to three times more likely to quit than those who attempt it independently.”
In Yorkshire, smoking claims nearly 7,000 lives annually, with close to 4,600 new cases of smoking-related cancers each year. Tobacco contributes to 70% of lung cancers, making lung cancer the leading cause of cancer fatalities in the region. Many areas in Yorkshire report smoking rates surpassing the national average of 11.6%, with the highest rates in Doncaster (17.8%), Hull (17.6%), and Barnsley (15.0%).
Both Hull and Doncaster also experience high levels of deprivation, as smoking prevalence is notably higher in these areas, contributing significantly to the gap in life expectancy between the wealthiest and most deprived in the region. Despite the Government allocating an additional £70 million per year for local stop smoking services, funding remains 25% lower than a decade ago, decreasing from £141 million in 2014/15 to an anticipated £105 million in 2024/25.
Yorkshire Cancer Research supports the implementation of a tax on the tobacco industry, which could generate around £700 million annually for enhanced stop smoking services. The charity also proposes that smokers visiting lung health checks through the newly established NHS Lung Screening Programme be offered same-day appointments with stop smoking specialists.
Dr. Griffiths concluded, “Well-funded stop smoking services can prevent avoidable deaths, address health disparities, and free up essential resources for treating other health conditions. Urgent action is required to reduce smoking-related deaths in Yorkshire and mitigate the detrimental effects of smoking on families throughout the region.”