A woman from Lancashire who was smoking 30 cigarettes a day has shared how she quit her habit after she was diagnosed with lung cancer.

Quit Squad, a stop smoking service in Lancashire, is reminding people they are three times more likely to quit smoking with support from its service.

The reminder coincides with ‘love your lungs’ week which runs from June 21 to 27 and focuses on raising awareness of the importance of good lung health.

Kathryn Moulder recently used the Quit Squad services after being diagnosed with lung cancer.

She said: “I’ve always been a smoker, smoking on average 30 cigarettes a day but after my diagnosis I knew I wanted to stop and my family inspired me.

"When I first reached out to Quit Squad I was apprehensive and wasn’t feeling overly confident but now I am amazed and so thrilled to say I’m smoke free.

“Quit Squad guided me through the process, but self-belief is so important, tell your head you’ve stopped, use patches and a vape if needed and you’ll succeed.”

Charlotte Davies, Quit Squad manager, said: “There is no time like the present to quit smoking. We understand that stopping smoking isn’t easy.

"We know that for some, smoking is a coping mechanism, a part of their everyday lives and something smokers may enjoy doing socially.

"However, the effects on the body from smoking can be extremely harmful and quite often, life limiting.

“Our team of experts at Quit Squad offer excellent support and many people who use the service go on to stop for good.

“Research shows you're much more likely to give up for good with the help of specialist support.”

Smoking and breathing in second-hand smoke causes many lung conditions so Quit Squad advise if you smoke and have a lung condition the most effective treatment is to stop.

After just 20 minutes of stopping smoking pulse rates will begin to return to normal and after eight hours oxygen levels begin to recover and the harmful carbon monoxide in the body has halved.

By 48 hours the body is carbon monoxide free and the lungs are beginning to clear out mucus and senses of taste and smell improve. 

Charlotte continued: “Quit Squad, is a service delivered by Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust and commissioned by Lancashire County Council.

"Our team of specialist advisors will work with you to develop your own quit plan.

“They can advise how specialist treatments and behavioural programmes can support the goal to quit and offer free, non-judgemental advice to help start the journey to quitting for good.

“We provide specialist advice and support including information on coping with triggers, habits, stress and weight gain.

"There are a variety of different products available on prescription to aid quitting. If you do not pay for prescriptions, these treatments are free.”

The service can be accessed directly by using the Freephone number 0800 328 6297 between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday, registering at www.quitsquad.nhs.uk or accessing 24/7 stop smoking support via the My Quit Route app.

Referrals from GP practices, practice nurses, other health professionals and hospitals are also accepted.