At least eight in 10 smokers in Ireland want to quit the habit and more than half of these plan to try giving up cigarettes within the next three months, a new survey has found.

The survey, which was carried out on behalf of the Irish Cancer Society (ICS), was released to coincide with Quit Week, which began on March 2.

According to the findings, almost one in five (19%) people in Ireland aged 15 and older smokes, but 81% want to quit in the future. The main reason for wanting to quit is concerns about future health.

The survey found that the majority of smokers believe family and friends will be a major source of support if and when they attempt to quit the habit.

"With this in mind, it's important that people know how they can help their family and friends who may be looking to stop smoking. They can listen, give practical help and patiently understand the challenge for smokers who are looking to get rid of this serious addiction. Quit Week is the perfect time for smokers to set a date for giving up. Quitting is difficult, but with the right support around them, smokers have a greater chance of success," insisted Kevin O'Hagan of the ICS.

Meanwhile, a new quit smoking service in pharmacies has also been launched to coincide with Quit Week. The service will be available in community pharmacies from Ash Wednesday (March 5) and is supported by the ICS and the HSE.

As part of the service, pharmacists will provide advice on quitting to smokers, including information on the health benefits and the various options open to them, such as nicotine replacement therapy.

"Pharmacists are among the most accessible healthcare professionals and can help motivate people to quit smoking and to stay tobacco-free for the long term, helping them decide what method works best for them and offering advice on supports such as nicotine replacement therapy to help manage cravings.

"We understand that giving up smoking is a real challenge but the health benefits are so great, it is well worth it. A smoker could get back 10 years of their life if they stop at aged 30. It is never too late to stop smoking and pharmacists want to help," commented Kathy Maher, vice-president of the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU).

The union pointed out that the cost of smoking an average of 20 cigarettes per day over a 10-year period in today's terms is almost €35,000. Meanwhile, the average cost per inpatient hospital admission to treat a smoker is €7,700.

Smoking increases a person's risk of developing a range of diseases including various cancers, heart disease, emphysema and chronic bronchitis. It also doubles a person's risk of suffering a stroke.

For more information on quitting, click here