Are you looking to quit smoking? Taking the very first step towards a smoke-free future is often the most difficult. NICORETTE® believes quitting smoking should not be an isolating experience. This is why NICORETTE®, supported by the Canadian Cancer Society’s Smoker’s Helpline, launched the No Smoke November Challenge—a 30-day, nationwide effort that started November 1 to help Canadians quit smoking and pursue a healthier future. While November may be over, it’s never too late to start your quit journey!
It is no secret that smoking has numerous negative consequences. According to recent statistics, over 3.5 million Canadians smoke, but 79% want to quit. However, of the approximately 18% of Canadian smokers who attempted to quit, less than 9% succeeded. Furthermore, 88% of these individuals battle against cravings and face obstacles like stress, willpower, and anxiety[i].
The Canadian Cancer Society supported the No Smoke November Challenge by providing resources to individuals who are trying to quit. As part of this initiative, Smokers’ Helpline is offering a trial package of NICODERM® patches and NICORETTE® nicotine gum to qualifying participants while supplies last. By registering for a Smokers’ Helpline profile, eligible participants can receive two NICODERM® Step 1 patches (21 mg), one sleeve of 15 NICODERM® Fresh Fruit Gums (2 mg), a discount coupon for $10 off the purchase of any two participating NICODERM® or NICORETTE® products, and valuable information on the benefits of combination therapy. The Canadian Cancer Society is also offering support from health experts while participants take their first step towards quitting.
Using the resources and support provided by the No Smoke November Challenge will make all the difference for those trying to quit, says Dr. Leslie Phillips, pharmacist and smoking cessation expert. “Agents such as nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) (e.g. NICODERM® patch, NICORETTE® gum, lozenge, inhaler, and mouth spray) have the advantage of being readily available without prescription and well tolerated with few contraindications. When dosed and used correctly they can double to triple the odds of quitting successfully.”
November is Lung Month in Canada; the perfect month to focus on respiratory health and start the journey towards a smoke-free future. Canadians who start a quit journey at any time can look forward to near-immediate health benefits—better breathing, circulation, and fitness, along with less risk of heart attack—just within two weeks of quitting! Changes will also be visible through brighter and smoother skin, thicker hair, unstained teeth and nails and improved fitness. It only takes 30 days to boost long-term success. Current studies show that quitting for one week makes smokers nine times more likely to quit for good.
Dr. Phillips believes that even attempting the No Smoke November Challenge is a step in the right direction. “Quitting smoking is incredibly challenging. Most individuals will make multiple attempts (sometimes 30 or more) before they quit for good. Every attempt brings you closer to quitting for good. Smoking is an addiction to nicotine, not a bad habit and like all addiction, it requires a comprehensive and compassionate approach,” she says. “The only failure is when you stop trying!”
“With No Smoke November, we want to remind everyone that seeking support from friends and family, health care practitioners, and using a treatment like nicotine replacement therapy can make a real difference. This month is a powerful reminder that with the right tools and resources, a smoke-free future is within reach,” said Katie Decker, Managing Director at Canada, Kenvue. The Smokers’ Helpline serves PEI, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Yukon. Bilingual services are available by phone at 1-877-513-5333 and online at smokershelpline.ca. Text messaging support is also offered in Ontario, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, along with interpreter services in over 100 languages.
For more information about No Smoke November, including how to access resources, visit www.nicorette.ca/nosmokenovember.
[i] Angus Reid. Survey conducted in English and French from Sept 5 to 9, 2024 among a representative sample of 1,511 Canadians who are members of the Angus Reid Forum. For comparison purposes only, a probability sample of this size would carry a margin of error of +/-2.53 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.
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