Oxford researchers hope a new study into smoking will reveal why it is more difficult for some people to quit the habit.

Imperial Cancer Research Fund scientists want to track down 1,700 people who took part in a nicotine patch trial eight years ago for the new study.

The team, based at the Institute of Health Sciences in Headington, Oxford, wants to investigate whether family history or a person's genes might affect their addiction to tobacco and how easily they may be able to give up the habit.

This will help give more tailor-made advice to smokers on which method to use to help give up smoking. Patients may save time and money on methods such as nicotine replacement therapy if they knew more about their dependency. Dr Pat Yudkin, who is co-ordinating the work said: "Very little research has been done in this area. If it turns out that there is an inherited basis for tobacco dependence we should eventually be able to offer much more effective help to people who want to give up smoking."

The new study is called Patch II and researchers want to trace people who took part last time so they can find out if they have stayed as a non-smoker.

Anyone who was involved in the Patch trial and would like to help again should call Kate Hey on 01865 226977.

Story date: Saturday 16 October

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