Reducing smoking in NSW
The Cancer Institute NSW is committed to reducing smoking across the state through our Tobacco Control Program.
Tobacco smoke produces cancer-causing chemicals that contribute, most notably, to lung cancer, but also other cancers, for example tongue, mouth throat and stomach.
Approximately one in five of all cancer deaths are due to tobacco smoking.
On top of the physical and emotional toll smoking-related cancers take on individuals, families and friends, smoking is estimated to cost NSW $8.4 billion.
What are our key priorities?
Preventing and reducing smoking across the state remains a key priority of the Cancer Institute NSW.
The Tobacco Control Program works toward four objectives:
- To contribute to a decline in smoking prevalence in NSW.
- To contribute to an increase in NSW smokers' intention to quit.
- To contribute to an increase in those who have never smoked in NSW.
- To encourage use of quit support services (NSW Quitline and iCanQuit.com.au).
This will be achieved through:
- Developing mass media campaigns that educate the community of the harms of smoking and motivate and support smokers to quit.
- Managing the NSW Quitline and iCanQuit website, which provide helpful quit smoking information, guidance and support to smokers and recent quitters. We conduct research, evaluation and monitoring on the effectiveness of our programs.
- Implementing projects that target priority or high-need populations.
- Providing strategic policy advice to the NSW Government on tobacco control.
Helping you to quit
Research shows that most smokers will eventually quit on their own. However, smoking is very addictive and some smokers need assistance to kick the habit for good.
Whether you're wanting to quit, or want to support someone quitting, we have comprehensive guides to help you along the journey. For more resources visit:
