New website gives smokers the edge in their attempt to quit

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30 Nov 2010
New website gives smokers the edge in their attempt to quit
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Smokers in NSW will gain the upper hand in their attempt to quit thanks to an innovative new website launched today.

Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer) Frank Sartor today joined Chief Cancer Officer, Cancer Institute NSW David Currow at the Powerhouse Museum to unveil the interactive new website www.icanquit.com.au.

The website is a one-stop-shop for smokers looking to quit.

iCanQuit motivates smokers to stop smoking by providing them with the information and tools they need so they can personalise their quit journey, and interact and connect with like-minded users.

It allows smokers to share their stories about previous, current or planned quit attempts, provides helpful hints on how to quit as well as a goal-tracker and savings calculator so smokers can see the tangible results of quitting.

The website is free and the first of its kind in Australia.

It is part of a two-pronged approach aimed at reducing the impact of tobacco related cancer in NSW with a state-wide advertising campaign to be launched on television and in cinemas later this year.

Minister Sartor said the website is an innovative and practical tool smokers can use to help kick the habit for good.

"It takes considerable willpower to give up addictive things like cigarettes and nicotine but it can be done," Mr Sartor said.

"This website allows smokers to share and exchange their stories, provide helpful hints to others and set achievable goals that will give them the edge in their attempt to quit."

Chief Cancer Officer David Currow said tobacco is the largest cause of preventable death and disease in our community.

"Twenty per cent of all cancers in NSW are caused by smoking and more than 5,200 deaths are caused by smoking every year," Professor Currow said.

"Smoking increases the risk of many cancers including lung, mouth, bladder, unknown primary, cervical, head and neck, the list goes on.

"The good news is we are making progress with smoking in NSW.

"Smoking is at an all time low in NSW but we still have more work to do with almost 1 million people still smoking.

"That's why we will continue to provide support to smokers through initiatives such as the iCanQuit.

"The simple message for smokers is quitting is not easy but quitting now can hold several benefits for you and your loved ones.

"I would urge all smokers thinking about quitting to visit the iCanQuit website to see how it can help you."

Minister Sartor said a range of measures introduced by the NSW Government has contributed to the lower smoking rates, including banning smoking indoors in pubs and clubs, banning smoking in cars carrying children and preventative campaigns run by the Cancer Institute NSW.

"We expect this trend to continue with the range of proposed measures included in the Strategic Directions for Tobacco Control in NSW." he said.

"This is a serious step towards making further inroads into the prevalence of smoking in NSW."

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