Statistics from ISD Scotland have revealed that the number of smokers kicking the habit in Mid-Scotland and Fife has slowed over the past year.
Across NHS Fife, Tayside and Forth Valley 43,208 people attempted to give up between 2011/12 and 2012/13 however only 17,052 made the attempt to stop smoking between 2012/13 and 2013/14; a 60% decrease.
In Scotland, according to Cancer Research UK about 4,200 people die of the disease every year, and about 86% of all cases are linked to tobacco.
Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser has called on the Scottish Government to remain committed to helping residents across the region live healthier lifestyles.
Commenting Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“The Scottish Government must continue to support people across Perth and Kinross, Fife, Stirling and Clackmannanshire who are keen to stop smoking.
“Lung Cancer is one of Scotland’s biggest killers and also has one of the lowest survival rates, with more than two-thirds of patients diagnosed too late for them to be offered successful treatment. Health Boards across Mid-Scotland and Fife must be equipped to tackle the root causes of this disease.
“Since 1975 the number of women suffering from lung cancer has doubled and the Scottish Government must work hard with this demographic to ensure that they are also able to kick the habit."