Health Risks Associated with Smoking Cigarettes in Canada
As the number of smokers continues to rise globally, so do the health risks associated with smoking cigarettes. Smoking cigarettes is one of the most significant preventable causes of death and disease worldwide, including Canada. According to Statistics Canada, over 5 million Canadians aged 15 years and above smoked in 2020. These numbers indicate that smoking cigarettes remains a major public health concern in Canada. This article will discuss the health risks associated with smoking cigarettes in Canada and provide you with essential information that will help you make an informed decision.
Introductions
1) Cancer
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in Canada, and smoking is a significant risk factor. Smoking cigarettes can cause several types of cancer, including lung cancer, throat cancer, and bladder cancer. In Canada, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths, and smoking cigarettes is responsible for approximately 85% of all lung cancer cases.
2) Respiratory Diseases
Smoking cigarettes damages your lungs and airways, leading to respiratory diseases such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Chronic bronchitis causes inflammation of the airways, making it difficult to breathe, while emphysema damages the air sacs in the lungs, making it challenging to exhale. In Canada, smoking cigarettes is responsible for about 30% of all deaths due to respiratory diseases.
3) Cardiovascular Diseases
Smoking cigarettes is a significant risk factor for heart disease and stroke. It damages the blood vessels, leading to atherosclerosis, a condition where the arteries narrow and harden, making it difficult for blood to flow. This can lead to heart attacks and strokes. In Canada, smoking cigarettes is responsible for about 30% of all deaths due to heart disease.
4) Reproductive Problems
Smoking cigarettes can cause reproductive problems in both men and women. Women who smoke have a higher risk of infertility, premature birth, and low birth weight. Smoking cigarettes can also affect sperm quality in men, leading to infertility.
5) Dental Problems
Smoking cigarettes can cause several dental problems, including tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer. In Canada, smoking cigarettes is responsible for about 50% of all cases of oral cancer.
Other Health Risks
Smoking cigarettes can also cause other health risks such as:
- Diabetes
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Vision loss
- Weakened immune system
How Does Smoking Affect Canadians?
Smoking has a significant impact on Canadians’ health and the economy. Here are some key facts:
- Smoking causes an estimated 45,000 deaths in Canada each year.
- Smoking costs the Canadian economy an estimated $16 billion in healthcare costs and lost productivity each year.
- Smoking is the leading preventable cause of death in Canada.
- More than 5 million Canadians smoke cigarettes regularly.
- The Canadian government has implemented several policies to reduce smoking rates, including high taxes on tobacco products, graphic warning labels on cigarette packages, and restrictions on tobacco advertising and sales to minors.
Need help to quit smoking?
Useful resources to help you quit smoking cigarettes:
Health Canada – 1-866-366-3667 (TOLL FREE)
https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/smoking-tobacco/quit-smoking/provincial-territorial-services.html
Services to help you quit smoking in every province:
- Ontario (Smoker’s Help Line)
http://www.smokershelpline.ca/ - Quebec (Tobacco-free Quebec)
https://tobaccofreequebec.ca/iquitnow/ - British Columbia (Quit Now)
https://www.quitnow.ca/ - Alberta (Alberta Quits)
http://www.albertaquits.ca/ - Manitoba (Smoker’s Help Line)
http://www.smokershelpline.ca/ - Saskatchewan (Smoker’s Help Line)
http://www.smokershelpline.ca/ - Nova Scotia (Tobacco Free Nova Scotia)
http://tobaccofree.novascotia.ca/ - New Brunswick (Smoke Free NB)
https://www.smokefreenb-nbsanstabac.ca/en - Newfoundland and Labrador (Smoker’s Help)
http://www.smokershelp.net/ - Prince Edward Island (Smoker’s Help Line)
http://www.smokershelpline.ca/ - Northwest Territories (NT Health & Social services)
https://www.hss.gov.nt.ca/en/services/health-effects-tobacco/nwt-help-line-here-you - Yukon (Quit Path)
http://www.quitpath.ca/ - Nunavot (NU Quits)
https://nuquits.gov.nu.ca/
Frequently Asked Questions aboutSmoking Cigarettes
Smoking cigarettes increases your risk of developing various chronic illnesses, including cancer, heart disease, and respiratory diseases. It can also cause reproductive problems, dental problems, and other health risks such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, vision loss, and weakened immune system.
According to Statistics Canada, over 5 million Canadians aged 15 years and above smoked in 2020.
Yes, smoking cigarettes can cause several types of cancer, including lung cancer, throat cancer, and bladder cancer.
Smoking cigarettes damages your lungs and airways, leading to respiratory diseases such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
Yes, smoking cigarettes can cause several permanent dental associated diseases.