Media advisory - The great majority of smokers who just kicked the habit will need help to stick to their resolution - In 10 years, 170,000 requests have been processed by the Ligne j'Arrête smokers' helpline 1 866-527-7383

MONTREAL, Jan. 4, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - In Quebec, there are more than 1.5 million smokers and it is estimated that nearly one third of them want to stop smoking over the next six months. In the long term, however, only 5% succeed in quitting for good without any help.

What:		Open house for the media
When:		Thursday, January 5, from 9:30 a.m. to noon
Where:		Ligne j'Arrête smokers' helpline office 5151 de l'Assomption Blvd., Montreal
How:		A tour of the premises is possible and a typical Ligne j'Arrête smokers' helpline intervention will be simulated.
Who:		The following people will be available for interviews: Isabelle Éthier, Ligne j'Arrête smokers' helpline coordinator Representatives of the Canadian Cancer Society and the Quebec Council on Tobacco and Health, the two organizations that jointly manage the Ligne j'Arrête smokers' helpline Dr. Diane Villeneuve, general practitioner from the Direction de santé publique de Montréal who directs patients who want to stop smoking to the Ligne j'Arrête smokers' helpline A former smoker who used the Ligne j'Arrête smokers' helpline to kick the habit for good.

The Ligne j'Arrête smokers' helpline is a free telephone support service offered by trained specialists who can help develop a personalized action plan to quit smoking or provide advice to smokers' family members and friends.

André Beaulieu, Senior Advisor, Public Relations
Canadian Cancer Society, Quebec Division
514 393-3444, cell: 514 217-8327, [email protected]