In 2023, tobacco caused more than 68,000 deaths in France. Behind this figure lies a persistent reality: smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death in the country. Even though the toll shows a decrease compared to previous years, the scale of the human losses serves as a reminder that the battle against tobacco use is far from over.
According to the latest estimates from Public Health France, these deaths represent approximately 11% of total mortality. The impact remains more pronounced among men, with 16% of deaths attributable to tobacco, compared to 6% among women. This decrease compared to the 75,000 deaths estimated in 2015 is due both to changes in behavior and to an updated methodology incorporating more recent data on risks, particularly for women.
Smoking has long-term effects. The deaths observed today reflect habits established decades ago. Cancers account for the vast majority of tobacco-related deaths, representing more than half of all attributable deaths in both sexes. Chronic respiratory diseases and cardiovascular diseases complete this picture, representing a considerable health burden.
Significant regional disparities
The geography of tobacco use reveals significant disparities. Île-de-France appears to be the least affected region. Conversely, Hauts-de-France, Grand Est, and Corsica have tobacco-related mortality rates approximately 40% higher than the national average. These differences can be explained by multiple factors: consumption habits, socioeconomic contexts, access to healthcare, and prevention efforts.
In the overseas territories, the situation varies. The French West Indies and French Guiana have lower rates, historically linked to lower consumption. Réunion is an exception, with levels close to those observed in mainland France.
These regional disparities highlight that smoking is also a social issue. The populations most at risk are often those experiencing precarious living conditions, limited access to information, or unfavorable circumstances. Therefore, the fight against tobacco cannot be limited to uniform national campaigns; it requires a nuanced approach tailored to local realities.
A massive, but fragile, desire to stop
Despite this grim toll, a positive trend is emerging. More than half of daily smokers express a desire to quit. This figure presents a window of opportunity for public health. The "Become an Ex-Smoker" campaign, running from February 16 to March 15, 2026, aims precisely to transform this intention into concrete action.
The system relies in particular on Tabac Info Service, accessible via the 39 89 hotline, which offers personalized support from tobacco cessation specialists. An e-coaching app and a website complete the offering. In 2025, the service recorded over 4 million online visits, more than 300,000 app downloads, and over 45,000 calls, demonstrating a genuine need for support.
These data show that, behind the statistics, individual trajectories are at play. Survival rates improve when cancers are detected early, but the best prevention remains quitting smoking. Addressing social determinants, strengthening access to support services, and protecting younger generations are the key levers for sustainably reducing the impact of smoking. The decline observed in 2023 is encouraging, but it cannot mask the scale of the challenge. Sixty-eight thousand deaths in a single year serve as a stark reminder that tobacco continues to have a devastating impact. Collective mobilization, from public policies to individual initiatives, remains a public health priority.
