2020 has brought a slew of stressful challenges, which may make it easy for former smokers to slip back into that habit.

American Cancer Society Senior Community Development Manager Kim Durst says cigarette smoking causes almost one-third of all cancer deaths in the U.S., and during Lung Cancer Awareness Month, it’s important to be supportive and respectful of loved ones’ journeys to quitting smoking, “We all know because we have either through personal experience with family or friends or yourself, quitting smoking isn’t easy and it takes time and a plan.”

Durst adds that it often takes several tries before someone succeeds in quitting smoking, and if someone you care for relapses, there are several do’s and don’ts in supporting them. Some do’s include praising them for trying to quit, and reminding them that they didn’t fail, and you will be there for them for as many times as it takes to quit. Don’t scold, tease, or make the person who’s quitting feel guilty, and don’t offer advice. Durst recommends to ask how you can help with their plan or program they are using.