Stoptober returns

On average an estimated 65 per cent (70 per cent in males and 55 per cent in females) of oral cancer cases are linked to smoking tobacco.

PHE is urging dental professionals to engage in Stoptober by offering ‘Very Brief Advice’ (VBA) to smokers using a ‘30 second approach;’ a technique developed by The National Centre for Smoking Cessation and Training (NCSCT), and further referenced by PHE in their resources for dental professionals. When compared with no advice to smokers, recommending treatment or support via VBA has been shown to increase the odds of quitting by 68% and 217% respectively.[i]

VBA includes three simple steps:

PHE has also developed a number of campaign resources such as leaflets and posters for professionals working within dental care; practitioners are encouraged to order and display these free resources to help generate further awareness of Stoptober. 

Research shows that by stopping smoking for 28 days, people are five times more likely to stop for good. Now in it’s fourth year, the campaign is targeted at all smokers with a particular emphasis on routine and manual workers, who have high rates of smoking. Stoptober offers a variety of free tools including encouraging and supportive emails, text messages or the Stoptober mobile phone app - all of which have shown to increase the chances of staying smokefree.