Smokers 'ignorant of risks'

Smokers point to lung cancer as biggest problem

It is estimated almost 3,000 people in Northern Ireland every year die before their time because of the effects of smoking.

The latest batch of TV adverts were unveiled on Tuesday to try to persuade people to quit the habit.

They focus on the link between having a cigarette and having a stroke.

Research has shown that smokers do not know the full effects of what they are doing to their health.

Physically, it has effects such as paralysis, loss of vision, loss of speech and problems with communication

Dr John McCann, Stroke specialist

Dr Brian Gaffney of the Health Promotion Agency said almost every smoker pointed to lung cancer when they asked about smoking-related diseases.

"They do see this as affecting, not themselves, but somebody older than them - perhaps a relative or somebody they have seen in pictures," he said.

"They don't really focus on the fact that right from the start - right from the first cigarette - there's damage being done in terms of heart disease and causing things like stroke."

'Particularly difficult'

Dr John McCann, a specialist in strokes, said they always had a devastating effect on people.

"Physically, it has effects such as paralysis, loss of vision, loss of speech and problems with communication.

They know the risk factors, but giving up smoking is not an easy task

Myrtle Neill
Chest, Heart and Stroke Association

"But psychologically, it is even more devastating in many instances."

Myrtle Neill of the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association said people with strokes found it particularly difficult to give up smoking.

"They do tell their doctor and their family that they have - but they haven't," she said.

"They know the risk factors, but giving up smoking is not an easy task."

It is thought about 28% of the population are smokers and the total cost of unhealthy living in Northern Ireland to the health service alone is estimated to be more than £500m a year.