Table 4.

Key points

• Savings to the healthcare system, a reduction in the harm caused by passive smoking, and savings to employers are all relevant in evaluations of cessation interventions

• The economic cost of smoking in the United States may be as high as 1.15% of gross domestic product in terms of healthcare costs alone

• The estimated cost to the NHS is £1.4bn-£1.5bn

• Cessation interventions offer excellent value for money when compared with some other healthcare interventions

• Some studies have quantified outcomes in life years saved, not allowing for changes in quality of life, thereby underestimating the cost effectiveness of smoking cessation by almost half