Smoking, tobacco and cancer
Smoking causes at least 16 different types of cancer. And tobacco is the biggest cause of cancer in the world.
It's never too late to stop smoking, and you don't have to go it alone.
Find out more about the free support and quitting options available.
Join thousands of others taking on Stoptober this October
Stoptober is back! Calling on people who smoke in England to join the thousands of others who are committing to quitting this October. This year's Stoptober is as important as ever – quitting smoking completely is the best thing you can do for your health.
There’s no need to go it alone – you’re more likely to succeed with support. Online you can find free tools such as the NHS Quit Smoking app, a personal quit plan, Facebook quit smoking support group, plus advice on vaping as a tool to quit smoking. For the best chance of success get support from your free, local stop smoking service.
How do I stop smoking?
You’re more likely to stop smoking successfully with support. And there are many quitting options available.
How does smoking cause cancer?
Tobacco smoke contains many chemicals that damage the DNA in your cells. And it’s not just dangerous for your lungs – tobacco damages cells around your entire body.
Popcorn lung and e-cigarettes
E-cigarettes don’t cause the lung condition known as popcorn lung.
Is vaping harmful?
E-cigarettes are an option to help people stop smoking.
What is passive smoking?
Breathing in other people’s tobacco smoke is unsafe – particularly for children.
Shisha, chewing tobacco, betel, paan and other tobacco
There is no safe way to use tobacco. All forms are addictive and cause cancer.
What's in a cigarette?
Smoking is addictive because tobacco contains nicotine. But it’s the many other chemicals in tobacco that can cause cancer.
