It takes a lot of will power to quit smoking.

"It's probably the most difficult addiction to free one's self of," says Dr. Abigail Halperin, director of the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance Smoke Free Life Program.

But it's worth the effort. Thirty percent of all cancer deaths are linked to tobacco use, including 87 percent of all deaths from lung cancer.

No need to worry if you've tried to stop smoking and haven't succeeded. Dr. Halperin says that's part of the process.

"Every attempt, even quitting for a few hours or a day is a success. It's very hard to quit the first time. It's like riding a bicycle. We don't expect people to be able to ride a bicycle the first time they try. Every attempt you learn what you're going to need to make it a long-term chance."

Dr. Halperin says medications are available to help control the nicotine withdrawal symptoms. When combined with counseling, on the phone, in person or in group, these drugs offer a 50 percent success rate for quitting long-term.

The state Department of Health says the Washington State Tobacco Quit Line recently received its 100,000th call for help.

The line was opened for business seven years ago.

The experts say anybody can quit if they keep trying. Visit 1 800 QUIT NOW

The quit line numbers are: 1-800-QUIT-NOW and 1-877-2NO-FUME in Spanish.


For More Information:

Cigarette Smoking and Cancer: Questions and Answers

Smoking and Cancer