This crude assessment of mortality reveals the mechanisms of smoking and its consequences – cancers, respiratory and cardiovascular diseases – while providing an overview of the disparities and the resources available to support those who want to quit.
Mortality still too high, despite a decline
The history of this mortality is first and foremost a long-term history. Deaths attributable to tobacco do not only reflect current habits, but the weight of decades of consumption. In 2023, more than 68,000 deaths in France were attributable to smokingeither 11% of total mortality – 16% among men and 6% among women. These figures, from the latest update of Public Health France estimates, reflect the legacy of behaviors adopted in the youth of today’s aging generations, for whom the risks linked to tobacco are fully expressed on a biological level.
This drop compared to 2015 – where 75,000 deaths were attributed to tobacco – is not only a sign of improved behavior. It is also explained by a revised methodology, integrating more recent data on risks, particularly among women, whose consumption habits are now closer to those of men.
The pathologies linked to smoking are numerous, but some clearly dominate. Cancer remains the leading cause of mortality associated with tobacco, representing 55% of deaths among women and 58% among men. Added to this are chronic respiratory diseases – one in three deaths of which is attributable to tobacco – and cardiovascular or neurovascular conditions, for which one in ten deaths is linked to tobacco consumption.
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Territories and social inequalities also combine in this assessment. If Île‑de‑France is the least affected region, others, such as Hauts‑de‑France, Grand Est or Corsica, have a mortality rate attributable to tobacco 40% higher. In the Antilles and Guyana, lower rates can be explained by historically lower consumption, but Reunion Island deviates from this trend and reaches the levels observed in mainland France.
Desire to stop and support: a window of opportunity
Behind these figures we can also read desires for individual emancipation. According to the results of the France 2024 Public Health Barometer, 55% of daily smokers want to quit smoking. It is on this desire, fragile and precious, that the campaign is based Become an ex-smokerlaunched from
February 16 to March 15, 2026.
Designed as a bridge between the collective momentum of Tobacco-Free Month and personalized support all year round, this campaign multiplies formats – videos, banners, audio spots – to show varied journeys, and remind us that “every attempt counts and becoming an ex-smoker is possible”. It primarily targets smokers who are motivated to quit, with particular attention to the most socio-economically vulnerable groups.
The main support of this campaign is Tobacco service infoa set of free and personalized resources accessible throughout the year. Via the 39 89it is possible to contact a tobacco specialist for individualized follow-up. Since 2023, this service has also been accessible to deaf or hard of hearing people via the Acceo platform. The e‑coaching application and the website complete the offer, offering advice, testimonials and practical tools to support everyone in their quitting journey.
The attendance figures demonstrate a real need:
more than 4 million visits to the site,
303,000 app downloads And
45,500 calls received at 39 89 in 2025. So much proof that, behind the mortality statistics, individuals are seeking to write another story.
Why this data matters to everyone
This assessment, crude but necessary, reminds us of the immense work remaining to be done. As Dr Caroline Semaille, Director General of Public Health France, says, “the data published today reveal a persistent reality: despite an encouraging decline, tobacco remains responsible for 68,000 premature deaths in 2023, with marked territorial disparities. This situation highlights the importance of strengthening collective mobilization, from raising awareness among younger generations to supporting smokers throughout their quitting journey. Acting on social determinants, improving access to support tools and promoting environments favorable to health are essential levers to sustainably reduce the impact of smoking. A public health priority for present and future generations.”
Beyond the figures, a social and health emergency is emerging: that of transforming the desire to quit into concrete trajectories of a tobacco-free life. For individuals and the community, this new campaign offers a window of hope, anchored in tangible resources and constant listening. The fight against tobacco is not over. But it is, for the first time in a long time, supported by tools that allow everyone to regain control of their health.