Tobacco and

Cancer

Still a problem in today’s youth!

Presentation prepared by: Canadian Cancer Society, Ontario Division, Public Affairs, Prevention February 2010, V2

Presentations prepared by: Canadian Cancer Society, Ontario Division, Public Affairs, Prevention May 2012 v4

Canadian Cancer Society Mission

The Canadian Cancer Society is a national, community-based organization of volunteers whose mission is the eradication of cancer and the enhancement of the quality of life of people living with cancer.

Agenda

• what is cancer

• cancers associated with tobacco

• overview of tobacco issues

• myths of tobacco

• why quit…

Definition of cancer

• starts in our cells

• exists when cells do not behave normally; i.e. mutate and grow

• not just one disease

• risk factors increase your chances of getting cancer

Tobacco and cancer

• 30% of cancer deaths

• 17% of Canadians (15 years or older) were current smokers in 2010

• 16% of Ontarians 15-19 yrs smoke (2010)

Cancers associated with tobacco use• Bladder• Cervical• Colorectal• Esophageal• Kidney• Larynx• Mouth and throat• Pancreas• Stomach• Some ovarian tumours• Lung

Lung cancer

Risk factors

• smoking tobacco

• second-hand smoke

• exposure to asbestos

• exposure to radon

• having lung cancer before

• family history of lung cancer

• air pollution

Other tobacco products

• rolled tobacco (cigars, cigarillos, etc)

• pipes and water pipes (hookah, etc)

• smokeless tobacco (chew or plug, snuff)

• more than 4 000 chemicals are inhaled

• over 50 are cancer causing

What’s in a cigarette?

“Light” or “Smooth” cigarettes are better for me.

False

If I quit smoking, I’ll gain a lot of weight.

False

Smoking harms only me.

False

Quitting is a process

• 70% of teens tried to quit

• about 19% managed to stop for 12 months

Benefits of Quitting Smoking….

• 8 hours

• 2 days

• 2 weeks to 3 months

• 1 to 9 months

• after 1 year

Resources To Help You Quit

• Quit 4 Life - quit4life.com

• Leave The Pack Behind (College/University based - leavethepackbehind.org

• Teen Net – smokingzine.org

Smokers’ Helpline

• Provides support to adults wanting to quit or needing help to stay smoke-free

For the most up-to-date information:

• visit www.cancer.ca

• call the Canadian Cancer Society Cancer Information Service at 1 888 939-3333

Thank you!