A NURSE has revealed the biggest misconception amongst people who smoke in south Cumbria.

Melissa Doherty, the lung cancer clinical nurse specialist at University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay, said: “People don’t realise that nicotine doesn’t cause cancer, it’s the harmful gases produced by the burning of the cigarettes that are the cause.

“If people use adequate nicotine replacement therapy and access the services that are available, it is proven that they are more likely to successfully quit the habit of smoking.”

According to the NHS, an estimated of 47,000 people are diagnosed with lung cancer every year.

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, a public health campaign that highlights the risks and factors associated with the disease.

Smoking is the most common risk factor for lung cancer, and it is responsible for more than 70 out of 100 cases nationally.

Melissa added: “There is a lot of support out there for people to help them to quit smoking, including Quit Squad in Lancashire and in Cumbria selected pharmacies offer one-to-one Stop Smoking Services and people can also access support through their GPs.”

More information about smoking cessation services for Cumbria can be found here.