Beyond the communication around each edition, Santé publique France publishes precise figures every year on participation and the program's impact. Here's what they show, edition after edition.
Participation that has more than doubled since 2016
Launched in 2016, the program had already gathered around 200,000 registrations by 2019, then nearly 95,000 for the 5th edition in 2020. In 2023, the 8th edition had over 92,000 registrations and 3,777 partners (including 18,000 pharmacies). In 2024, the 10th edition crossed a new threshold with 134,000 registrations and 5,600 partners. In total, since 2016, the program has gathered around 2.35 million cumulative participants.
The figure that justifies the method: multiplied by five, then by two
Two figures, cited by Santé publique France, sum up why the program takes this particular shape: a smoke-free month is said to multiply the chances of quitting for good by five, and taking part in Mois Sans Tabac is said to double the chances of success at one year compared to an unsupported quit attempt. Both figures point to the same explanation as the challenge's collective effect: structure (a fixed date, a kit, coaching) matters as much as willpower alone.
A measurable drop in smoking at the national level
Between 2014 and 2024, the share of daily smokers aged 18-75 fell from 28.6% to 18.2%, meaning roughly 4 million fewer daily smokers over the period, according to regional health agencies. Mois Sans Tabac is only one lever behind this drop, alongside rising cigarette prices and plain packaging, but it remains one of the best documented in terms of individual outcomes.
A cost-effective program for society
A modeling exercise conducted for the OECD puts the program's annual cost at around 12 million euros, against an estimated average reduction in health spending of 94 million euros a year, meaning more than 7 euros saved for every euro invested. Over 2023-2050, the model projects around 241,000 lower respiratory infections, 44,000 COPD cases, and 28,000 cancers avoided, plus 85 million euros a year in employment and productivity gains.
- 2020 (5th edition): nearly 95,000 registrations.
- 2023 (8th edition): over 92,000 registrations, 3,777 partners, 18,000 pharmacies involved.
- 2024 (10th edition): 134,000 registrations, 5,600 partners.
- Since 2016: around 2.35 million cumulative participants.
- A smoke-free month is said to multiply lasting quit chances by 5; taking part in the program is said to double one-year success chances.
- 2014-2024: around 4 million fewer daily smokers in France (28.6% to 18.2%).
What these figures don't say
These statistics describe a collective trend, not an individual guarantee: they don't replace a personal plan, preparation before November 1st, or tracking kept up after the challenge ends, which remain the factors each smoker keeps control over.
