A new survey by the Cancer Council WA has revealed that less than a quarter of participants could name more than two cancers caused by smoking.
The survey also found that people who smoked were the least informed about the detrimental effects of smoking with only 39 percent being able to name one or two smoking-related cancers without being prompted. This contrasts with 61 per cent recall achieved by non-smoking respondents.
The survey results have been released to coincide with the launch of Cancer Council WA’s new television commercial campaign designed to shock smokers into taking action.
The ‘16 cancers’ campaign is designed to, “highlight the 16 cancers caused by smoking and their capacity to take away life’s simple pleasures such as speaking and eating.”
According to Cancer Council WA, “Of those surveyed, when prompted, the majority (93%) were aware that smoking caused lung cancer, however fewer than half (47%) were aware that smoking caused cancer in areas of the body other than the lung, mouth, nasal cavity and throat (including larynx and oesophagus).
Terry Slevin, Cancer Council WA’s Director of Education and Research, said television campaign had been deliberately designed to shock smokers out of complacency.
“We know that most people are still not aware of just how many cancers have been shown to be caused by smoking,” Mr Slevin said.
“This campaign is challenging and confronting, but that is simply because the facts about smoking and cancer are challenging and confronting. Smokers and non- smokers deserve to know those facts.
“The overriding aim continues to be to reduce the number of Western Australians smoking and dying from smoking related diseases.”
“Despite the fact that smoking rates are declining, too many West Australians are still dying each day from smoking related diseases,” he said.
“About 208,000 Western Australians still smoke and more than 1,500 lose their lives to smoking every year in WA.”
“Research shows that half of all smokers will die prematurely because of their habit. More than half of those killed by their smoking will still only be middle-aged (35-69), losing an average of 23 years of life.”
To watch the ad, visit
http://makesmokinghistory.org.au/more-information/latest-campaign
If you want to talk to someone about quitting call the Quit line on 13 78 48. For confidential cancer-related information and support call Cancer Council 13 11 20.
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