Smoking

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Smoking is the most important cause of preventable ill health and premature mortality in the UK and is a significant contributor to health inequalities. Smoking is a major risk factor for many diseases, such as lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and heart disease. It is also associated with cancers in other organs, including lip, mouth, throat, bladder, kidney, stomach, liver and cervix. 

According to the most recent Annual Population Survey, in 2021, 9.0% of respondents aged 18 and over in Waltham Forest reported that they currently smoke, down from 14.0% in the previous year. This is below both London (11.5%) and England average (13.0%). The prevalence of smoking has seen a downwards trend in the recent years, having declined from around 20% in 2016.  

Source: OHID Public Health Outcomes Framework. Data from Annual Population Survey (ONS). Date accessed: 13 April 2023.