Regardless of your age, how long you’ve been smoking or your gender, quitting will improve your health. However, there is still a lot of misinformation about quitting, so here are some common myths explained.
Common myths about quitting smoking
Myth: It’s too late to quit, the damage is done
While the benefits of quitting are greater the earlier you stop, quitting at any age can still improve your health. Even quitting at 60 can increase life expectancy by several years compared to continuing to smoke.
Many of the harmful effects of smoking can begin to reverse quite quickly after quitting.
Myth: Nicotine is the major toxic ingredient in cigarettes
Nicotine is the addictive component in cigarettes, but it is not the most harmful. Tobacco smoke contains over 7,000 chemicals, including tar and carbon monoxide, and more than 70 known cancer-causing substances.
Myth: Smoking while using NRT is dangerous
Research has found no significant side effects from using Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) while still smoking. Many people use NRT as part of a gradual reduction approach, helping them reduce nicotine intake from cigarettes over time.
Myth: Smoking just a few cigarettes daily is fairly harmless
Even smoking 1–4 cigarettes a day significantly increases the risk of heart disease, lung cancer and other serious conditions. Risks also include gastrointestinal cancers, respiratory infections and reduced fertility.
Preparing to quit with support from your Phoenix Health Extras Cover
Most Phoenix Health Extras Cover options include benefits for approved quit smoking programs.
See our guide to Healthy Lifestyle benefits or contact our team at [email protected] or 1800 028 817 to check your eligibility.
If you’re thinking about quitting, read our guide to preparing to quit smoking.
Benefits, waiting periods and limits may apply. See individual product information sheets for more information.
Source: NSW Government
