Evidence is mounting to suggest that people respond to stop smoking programmes in different ways.

In July a study reported that humans have at least 323 genes whose expression levels are affected by smoking. Researchers from the Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research in San Antonio, US conducted the study. They analysed cells from 1,240 people including 297 smokers, to work out how genes changes when exposed to smoke.

Last Spring, researchers at the University of North Carolina reported they had found 3 genetic regions linked to the number of cigarettes smoked each day, and one tied to starting smoking. A third was linked to smoking cessation.

Trials such as these are evidence that when it comes to stopping smoking tools, such as nicotine patches or anti-smoking drug Champix, may be more effective among certain types of people. Scientists may be able to tailor more specific smoking cessation programmes to help people, using the latest information.

Survey consistently show that most smokers would like to give up. In the UK 66% said they would, while the Seattle Times reports that in the US, the figure is 70%.

Health concerns are the most common reason mentioned for wanting to quit. Around 86% of people who want to give up mention at least one health reason. Costs, family pressures and the impact on children are other primary reasons why people quit smoking.

The majority of people who smoke in the UK are aged between 20 and 24. Because people who start smoking in their teenage years are likely to continue doing so, smoking cessation programmes aimed at young people are vital.