New figures show that in inner regional areas, almost 15 per cent of people still smoke, with that figure jumping to just over 20 per cent in outer regional and remote areas of the state. It compares with the rates in the major cities, which have dipped under 13 per cent.

The Cancer Institute NSW has launched a new campaign to coincide with World No Tobacco Day on Tuesday.

It’s called 16 Cancers, which refers to the number of cancers linked to smoking.

Institute chief executive officer, Professor David Currow, said only a quarter of people in NSW could name two or more cancers related to smoking, with too many people still underestimating the harmful effects of tobacco smoke.

“Although tobacco smoking in NSW continues to decline, it is still a leading cause of death and disease across the country,” he said.

Dimity Betts, from the Cancer Council NSW North West region, said it was important a campaign like 16 Cancers was raising awareness as her office rolled out programs such as Tackling Tobacco, in which they were partnering with Billabong Clubhouse, Homes North and Freeman House.

Penny Milson, regional health promotion co-ordinator for the Heart Foundation, is also backing the new campaign, saying Tamworth’s smoke-free CBD was making a difference.

“(It’s) now a much healthier place to be, thanks to most local smokers observing the new smoke-free zones,” she said.