Unique context for the 2020 edition of No Tobacco Month

For the 5^th For the next year, November begins with the launch of No Tobacco Month, an operation that has taken a special turn with the lockdown and the Covid 19 pandemic. An opportunity to strengthen communication on the benefits of quitting and to develop new methods of support.

Tobacco Free Month is a national public health operation coordinated by the Santé Publique France agency, in partnership with Health Insurance and Santé Publique France. This operation aims to encourage and support smokers in quitting smoking, throughout the month of November, through local communication and prevention actions.

Why for a month? Because after 28 consecutive days of stopping, the chances of stopping permanently are multiplied by 5.

Using confinement as an opportunity to quit smoking

According to a survey by Public Health France[1], just over a quarter of smokers reported having increased their tobacco consumption during the period of the first lockdown (March 17 to May 11, 2020). An increase explained by the lack of activity and stress correlated with the risk of anxiety and depression. The experience of the first lockdown also highlighted that a significant proportion of smokers: more than one in six smokers had on the contrary reduced their consumption.

Also, this new confinement should not be a brake on stopping, it can even be an opportunity to change your habits and find new rituals if you are teleworking. This is what Jean-Pierre Couteron of the Addictions Federation reminds us[2], smoking is sometimes linked to rituals, particularly social ones: "Without coffee breaks with colleagues, without weekend evenings, the desire for a cigarette may in fact be less frequent."

In addition, cessation aids remain available, it is possible to consult doctors, tobacco specialists and to buy nicotine substitutes in pharmacies. Personalized digital health interventions have adapted to the health crisis and can be done remotely:

• The Tabac Info Service application offers personalized coaching and advice provided by tobacco specialists. It also includes monitoring of the benefits of quitting as well as an evaluation of the savings made.
• 3989 is the number to call for the Tabac Info Service telephone support line. Expert tobaccologists are available to listen to smokers and answer all their questions during the withdrawal process.
• Community support is offered through social media groups and access to online support and messaging services.

The benefits of stopping

In the context of the current pandemic, it is essential to stop smoking. Smoking impairs the immune system and lung capacity and it has been clearly demonstrated that smokers are at increased risk of contracting the coronavirus and developing a severe form of the disease.[3]

Quitting smoking also has immediate and long-term health benefits for all smokers.

• First hours after quitting

Heart rate and blood pressure return to normal. Carbon monoxide levels in the blood drop.

• 2 weeks to 3 months after quitting

Blood circulation improves and lung capacity increases.

• 1 to 9 months after quitting

Coughing and shortness of breath decrease. Bronchial cilia begin to return to normal function in the lungs, increasing their ability to clear mucus, clean the lungs, and reduce the risk of infection.

• 1 year after quitting

The risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker. The risk of heart attack is significantly reduced.

• 5 years after quitting

The risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus and bladder is reduced by half. The risk of cervical cancer falls to that of a non-smoker. The risk of stroke falls to that of a non-smoker after 2 to 5 years.

• 10 years after quitting

The risk of dying from lung cancer is about half that of a person who still smokes. The risk of cancer of the larynx and pancreas decreases.

• 15 years after quitting

The risk of coronary heart disease is that of a non-smoker.

Also, quitting smoking is always beneficial regardless of age. At age 60, it allows you to gain 3 years of life expectancy. It is also very beneficial for people who have already developed health problems related to their smoking. Smokers who quit smoking after a heart attack reduce the risk of a new attack by 50%.

Keywords: No Tobacco Month, confinement, quitting smoking, health

To register and learn more

[1] Tobacco, Alcohol: what impact does confinement have on French consumption? Public Health France, May 13, 2020

[2] Charlotte Anglade, No Tobacco Month: What if confinement was an asset to quit smoking? LCI, October 30, 2020, consulted on November 2, 2020

^[3] Covid 19, smokers and vapers it is urgent to stop for you and your loved ones, CNCT, March 26, 2020, consulted on November 2, 2020