Published at 20 November, 2025 08:14.
Smokefree Sheffield: Lung Disease Hits Harder Than You Think
This November, Smokefree Sheffield is launching a new campaign — “Lung Disease Hits Harder Than You Think.” The campaign highlights the long-term, deteriorating, and debilitating effects of smoking on physical health, specifically raising awareness of smoking-related Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and the devastating impact it can have on a person’s quality of life.
Greg Fell, Director of Public Health for Sheffield, said: “Smoking is linked with over 90% of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease cases (COPD). We’re urging people to stop smoking as it’s one of the most effective ways to prevent lung diseases and to help people with COPD to manage and improve their symptoms.
“With this campaign, we are urging people to stop smoking sooner rather than later and encouraging them to take steps to reduce their chances of developing lung disease, such as COPD,. There is lots of support for smokers to help them with this visit www.smokefreesheffield.org”
The campaign also aims to reach friends and family members of smokers, equipping them with the information they need to support their loved ones on their stop-smoking journey — ideally earlier in life.
Smokefree Sheffield has collaborated with the Sheffield Primary Care Development Nurses and people with lived experience of COPD to ensure local voices and stories are at the heart of the campaign.
The “Lung Disease Hits Harder Than You Think” campaign officially launches on 19 November, coinciding with World COPD Awareness Day.
The launch will include:
At the station event, campaign partners will speak with members of the public, share real stories from people with lived experience, and distribute information leaflets to raise awareness of COPD and the benefits of quitting smoking. The campaign will initially run for two weeks, before relaunching in January 2026 for six weeks to encourage New Year quit attempts.
COPD causes inflammation and irritation in the lungs, leading to increased mucus production and thickened airways. Many people initially mistake their symptoms for a common cough and delay seeking medical advice. Around 1.2 million people in the UK have been diagnosed with COPD, but many more are believed to be living with the condition undiagnosed (ASH, 2020). Most people are diagnosed in their 50s, but early intervention is key.
“Many people unknowingly live with COPD and haven’t heard of it until they receive a diagnosis. Once COPD has developed, its progression cannot be reversed — only slowed down. It’s vital that people seek treatment early. I urge all smokers to take steps to stop smoking, improve their lung health, and access support via Smokefree Sheffield. It’s easier to quit with free, specialist support in your corner” said Bernadette Lynch, Primary Care Development Nurse, South Yorkshire ICB.
If you want to stop smoking and live in Sheffield then we are here for you. Visit Smokefree Sheffield for more information.
