Cancer Research UK figures show that one person dies of cancer caused by smoking every two hours in the North East.
The figures, showing how our region continues to face higher-rates of tobacco-related disease than the rest of England and Wales, have been released to mark World No Tobacco Day. As part of this, the national charity has highlighted how 14.8% of people in the North East still smoke.
CRUK has joined with campaign group Fresh to highlight the "appalling harm" caused by smoking. The charity has launched a petition calling for the Government to do more. The Smokefree NHS Taskforce - in the North East and across the country - also joining the calls for ministers to better fund stop smoking services and public health campaigns to help people quit smoking.
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In our region, analysis of public health data shows smoking remains the biggest cause of death in the North East and it’s estimated it’s responsible for around 3,100 cancer deaths each year. That’s a third of all North East cancer deaths.
Cancer Research UK spokesperson for the North East, Michaela Robinson-Tate, said: “Smoking causes around 150 cases of cancer a day across the UK and in the North East 14.8% of people still smoke. This is above the national average.
“Smoke-filled pubs, colourful cigarette packets and cigarette vending machines are all now things of the past. But from these shocking figures, it’s clear the distressing toll of tobacco is not - and that’s why we need the help of people across the region to make smoking history.
“Enough is enough. Most people who smoke want to quit, but they need more support. So, the UK Government must urgently deliver the funding needed to tackle the number one cause of death in the North East."
The charity is calling for a "Smokefree Fund" to pay for renewed support for local authority public health teams and stop smoking services.
Ailsa Rutter, director of the Fresh campaign group said: "The figures from Cancer Research UK clearly show the appalling harm that tobacco does to the North East, to local communities and families and too many loved ones dying and becoming ill needlessly from smoking related cancer.
"We support this campaign and agree it is time for a properly funded new plan to achieve Smokefree ambitions in England. The tobacco industry should be made to pay towards this. The North East recognises there is so much to be done to reduce smoking rates and our public expect more national action. We back this very clear message that the biggest cause of cancer has no place in our future."
In April this year, the UK Government responded to the Dr Javed Khan Independent Review of Smoking. Cancer Research UK has branded the response “insufficient” – highlighting that 17,100 lives have already been lost to tobacco across the UK, since the announcement. Over 7,600 of these were due to cancer alone.
Last month, health minister Neil O'Brien said Government smoking policy will focus on “helping people to quit” rather than imposing bans, despite pressure from campaigners and MPs. The Government said it is committed to its target of a smoke-free 2030 and has backed this with "significant funding".
Sign Cancer Research UK’s Smokefree UK petition at cruk.org/signpetition
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