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News / March 23, 2011

Most Irish smokers want to quit

by Guy Hiscott

New findings suggest that nearly eight out of 10 Irish adults who smoke want to quit.

The research, which was carried out in 20 European countries, revealed that 79% of Irish smokers want to give up the habit, a figure significantly higher than the European average of 67%.

Speaking at the launch of the report, Norma Cronin of the Irish Cancer Society said: ‘It is the vision of the Irish Cancer Society that all smokers will be given an opportunity and support to quit smoking.’

Ms Cronin continued: ‘It is important that the government and the HSE set targets so that we can bring down the numbers of people smoking to 20% by 2020.’

Statistics show that approximately 75% of mouth cancers tobacco-related.

The research was commissioned by Pfizer as part of the launch of EQUIPP (Europe Quitting: Progress and Pathways).