An ex-smoker from Heywood, who had half of her left lung removed following a recent cancer diagnosis, is pleading for people to follow in her footsteps and quit smoking this Stoptober.
Julie Corns, aged 67, was just 11 years old when she began smoking, a habit that would lead to the consumption of up to 20 cigarettes a day growing up.
However, in July this year, Julie stubbed her last one out for good after doctors discovered she had two tumours on her left lung and she was diagnosed with cancer.
An operation was required a few weeks later to remove them and during keyhole surgery, surgeons found a further three tumors that were also removed along with the top half of her lung.
This life saving moment would mark a significant turning point in Julie’s life as she sought help from the borough’s free stop smoking service, Living Well.
“I have tried to quit smoking before and I did it with patches,” Julie revealed, with her first attempt lasting three months and her second lasting six weeks, before the stress of everyday life led her back to smoking.
“But this time because I found out I had lung cancer and the tumours, and I had to have part of my lung taken away, that’s what made me do it.”
It’s through the help of Living Well, Julie has been able to quit for a third and final time.
Speaking of her experience in accessing the service, Julie added: “They were great with me.
“I had phone calls to see how I was getting on and there was support there when I needed it – they were just a phone call away.”
Reflecting on the differences she has noticed since she quit smoking, Julie mentioned the appearance of her skin looks better while her breathing has also improved.
After her operation, Julie recalled a nurse informing her how her oxygen levels were now ‘spot on’ in stark contrast to what they were previously.
Julie also jokingly admitted she has noticed a positive difference to her bank balance.
“The cigarettes I smoked were like £14.50 a packet and I bought a packet every other day, so it has made a big difference.”
When asked what her advice was to other smokers who are thinking of quitting, Julie finished by saying: “Do it for the sake of your health.
“You never know what’s around the corner so if you can stop smoking, do it.”
A number of free expert quit smoking support sessions are taking places across the borough during this year’s Stoptober campaign.
Here residents can speak to a Living Well adviser and be provided with free stop smoking aids such as patches, gum and e-cigarettes to help them quit.
They can also receive expert behavioural advice and support. This includes a quitting plan, information on how to manage cravings, and how best to use your quitting aids.
Kuiama Thompson, director of public health and communities, said: “Smoking is one of the biggest causes of preventable illness and death in the UK with Julie’s story highlighting the severity that smoking can have on your personal health.
“I’m so glad to hear she has now stopped and with over 25,000 smokers living in our borough, I really hope this helps people to think about their personal habits, with free local support available to anyone who wants to quit, especially this Stoptober.”
