Every year someone keeps smoking they shorten their life by three months, according to tobacco treatment specialist Dr Colin Mendelsohn.
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Dr Mendelsohn is one of the forces behind QUIT4October, a pilot program encouraging people to quit smoking with the support of medical professionals.
The program is being launched in Dubbo, Ryde, Ballarat and Toowoomba.
"The primary focus is that we know the great majority of smokers want to quit, they're just not doing it properly," Dr Mendelsohn said.
"Less than one in 20 cold turkey attempts are actually successful, but with professional help the success rate is 20 to 30 per cent."
Dr Mendelsohn said two-thirds of smokers died prematurely because of smoking, however people who quit at 40-years-old gain up to an extra nine years of life
He said the benefits of quitting ranged from less chance of a heart attack to a better quality of life.
"One of the biggest myths about smoking is that it helps people cope with stress but people are actually happier and they're more relaxed after they quit," he said.
Lung Foundation Australia CEO Heather Allan said the foundation developed QUIT4October because far too many people were dying because of their smoking habits.
"Smoking is still the single greatest cause of preventable death and illness," Ms Allen said.
She said friends and family should be supportive of those giving up the habit.
"They need to be understanding that quitting smoking is hard.
"The cravings are difficult and loved ones can just be there to encourage and remind them why they're quitting in the first place," she said.
More information about the program and on quitting smoking can be found at www.quit4october.com.au.
