Break Free from Tobacco: World No Tobacco Day 2025

Summers Avenue Family Medical Practice
May 21
2 min read

At Summers Family Practice, we’re committed to helping our patients live healthier, longer lives—and that includes supporting people to quit smoking. This World No Tobacco Day (May 31st), we’re encouraging our community to take the first step toward a smoke-free future.

Australia Is Kicking the Habit

There’s good news—fewer Australians are smoking than ever before. Daily smoking rates have dropped from 24% in 1991 to just 10% in 2019, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. This long-term trend shows what’s possible with the right information, support, and motivation.

The Health Risks Are Still Real

Tobacco use is still one of the leading causes of preventable death in Australia. Smoking is linked to a wide range of serious illnesses, including:

Lung cancer (responsible for over 80% of cases)
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Heart disease and stroke
Cancers of the mouth, throat, pancreas, bladder, and more

The risks are serious—but so are the benefits of quitting.

The Health Benefits of Quitting

No matter your age or how long you’ve smoked, quitting can lead to immediate and long-term improvements in health:

After 12 hours, carbon monoxide levels in your blood return to normal.
After 2–12 weeks, your circulation improves.
Within 1 year, your risk of coronary heart disease drops by half.
After 10 years, your risk of lung cancer falls to about half that of a smoker.

Every smoke-free day is a step toward better health.

Talk to Your Doctor—It Makes a Difference

Quitting is hard—but you don’t have to do it alone. Engaging your GP is one of the most effective steps you can take.

At Summers Family Practice, we can:

Help you create a personalised quit plan
Prescribe medications or nicotine replacement therapy
Provide ongoing encouragement and medical support

Treatment Options That Can Help

Nicotine replacement therapy (patches, lozenges, gum) and prescription medications like Champix (varenicline) or Zyban (bupropion) can significantly improve your chances of quitting successfully. Your GP can help you decide which option suits you best.

Quitline—Support That’s Always There

The Quitline is a free, confidential telephone service for anyone thinking about quitting. Trained advisors can:

Help you build a plan
Support you during cravings and setbacks
Offer encouragement and expert advice

Call 13 7848 or visit quit.org.au to learn more.

There’s No Better Time Than Now

Whether you’ve tried to quit before or you’re thinking about it for the first time—now is the perfect time to take the next step. We’re here to support you every step of the way.