South West residents urged to butt out on World No Tobacco Day

Cancer Council WA is encouraging people to quit smoking in order to enjoy good health ahead of World No Tobacco Day tomorrow.

The council has produced a series of videos in the lead up to the day promoting the international theme of tobacco and lung health.

Council WA South West regional education officer Shenae Norris said tobacco smoke endangered lung health in many ways.

“We know tobacco use and second hand smoke exposure causes lung cancer, but tobacco use is the predominant cause of chronic respiratory disease including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,” she said.

“It also causes chronic bronchitis and emphysema – 36 per cent of the burden to all respiratory conditions is due to tobacco use.

“We recommend residents in the South West region who have concerns about their lung health to make an appointment with their GP as soon as possible.”

Bunbury Drive in Chemist is also helping to spread the message by running a competition online and in store.

Chemist manager Lara Torr said quitting smoking could require a lot of will power.

“Your local pharmacy can help with advice, support and products to quite,” she said.

“Your doctor can also subscribe various products that are subsidised by the PBS.

“The health benefits of quitting can begin within 20 minutes.”

WA respiratory physician Dr Annette McWilliams took part in the videos produced by the Cancer Council.

She said it was never too late to quit smoking and people often delayed visiting a GP because they do not think anything can be done.

“There’s a lot we can do now for lung health compared to five years ago,” she said.