Myths and facts about tobacco

Many people hear things about tobacco that are not true. This page shares the most common myths, and the facts you need to know.

Myths about smoked tobacco

Myth: Smoking helps relieve stress.
Fact: Smoking does not reduce stress. Nicotine only eases withdrawal for a short time. Smoking can make stress and anxiety worse. Quitting can lower stress.
Myth: It is too late to quit.
Fact: It is never too late. Your body starts to heal soon after you stop. Health risks drop over time.
Myth: Smoking helps you stay thin.
Fact: Smoking harms fitness and makes you feel tired. Being a little overweight is less harmful than smoking.
Myth: “Light,” “mild,” or rolled cigarettes are safer.
Fact: These products are not safer. People often inhale deeper, which can lead to the same or higher levels of harm. Roll‑ups can contain more tar and nicotine.
Myth: Occasional or social smoking is not harmful.
Fact: Any amount of smoking harms your body. Even a few cigarettes increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Myth: Secondhand smoke is safe in small amounts.
Fact: There is no safe level of secondhand smoke. It raises the risk of cancer and heart disease for people around you.
Myth: Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is as harmful as smoking.
Fact: NRT gives nicotine without the thousands of toxic chemicals in smoke. It is much safer and can help you quit.

Myth: Smokeless tobacco is safe because it is not inhaled.
Fact: Chewing tobacco is not safe. It has many cancer‑causing chemicals that enter your body through the mouth. It is linked to mouth, throat and pancreatic cancer.
Myth: Chewing tobacco is less addictive than cigarettes.
Fact: It can be just as addictive, or even more so. It often gives higher and longer‑lasting doses of nicotine.
Myth: Good dental hygiene can undo the harm.
Fact: Brushing and flossing cannot reverse the damage. Chewing tobacco can cause gum loss, bone loss, decay, stains and mouth patches that can turn into cancer.
Myth: A small amount will not cause harm.
Fact: Even small amounts can cause addiction. Oral cancer can develop in as little as five years of regular use.
Myth: You can use chewing tobacco anywhere because there is no smoke.
Fact: Chewing tobacco still harms your health. Spitting is often not allowed, and many public places restrict its use.

Visit Be Smoke Free Manchester to get support, or call 0161 823 4157.