Cancer, respiratory diseases, and cardiovascular diseases: tobacco remains the leading cause of preventable death in France

In 2023, more than 68,000 deaths in France were attributable to smoking, representing 11% of total mortality (16% among men and 6% among women). The tobacco-related mortality observed today is the result of smoking habits formed in youth by generations of men and women who are now reaching the age where smoking-related diseases have a high incidence. Although this mortality figure is down from 2015 (75,000 deaths), due to the gradual passing of the generations that smoked the most, this decrease is also partly explained by improved estimation methods. These methods now incorporate more recent data on the risks associated with smoking, particularly among women, whose smoking habits are now similar to those of men.

The data released today show that cancer remains the leading cause of tobacco-related deaths, accounting for 55% of tobacco-related deaths among women and 58% among men.

Furthermore, 1 in 3 deaths from chronic respiratory disease and 1 in 10 deaths from cardiovascular or neurovascular disease are attributable to smoking.

Beyond gender disparities, there are significant regional disparities: the Hauts-de-France, Grand Est, and Corsica regions have tobacco-attributable mortality rates 40% higher than those in Île-de-France, the least affected region in mainland France. These disparities underscore the need to tailor public health policies to the most vulnerable regions. The overseas territories of Guadeloupe, Martinique, and French Guiana have lower attributable mortality rates, linked to historically lower tobacco consumption. In contrast, attributable mortality in Réunion is closer to the rates observed in mainland France.

Quitting Smoking: A Goal Shared by More Than 1 in 2 Smokers, with Free Support Available Year-Round Through Tabac Info Service

According to the results of the Santé publique France 2024 Public Health Barometer, 55% of daily smokers want to quit. To support them, Santé publique France is launching a campaign from February 16 to March 15, 2026: “Become an Ex-Smoker.” Following the success of the 10th edition of Tobacco-Free Month, this campaign bridges the gap between the collective momentum of November and the year-round individual support provided by Tabac info service. The campaign materials (videos, banners, audio spots) highlight diverse journeys, demonstrating that every attempt counts and that becoming an ex-smoker is possible.

The campaign is primarily aimed at smokers who want to quit, with a particular focus on the most socio-economically vulnerable groups. The campaign will be rolled out on TV, digital platforms, social media, and audio platforms to encourage smokers to embrace a tobacco-free life. The campaign reminds the public that the Tabac info service is free and available year-round to help smokers take the plunge, with a strong message: “Tabac info service supports you in increasing your chances of becoming an ex-smoker,” via 39 89 for free personalized follow-up by tobacco specialists, and the app and website tabac-info-service.fr for daily advice and support.