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HOW DOES Commercial TOBACCO AFFECT MY RISK OF CANCER AND CHRONIC DISEASE?

Commercial tobacco smoke contains over 7,000 chemicals. At least 172 of these are toxic and 69 are known to cause cancer.2 Tobacco is the only consumer product that will kill at least 1 in 2 regular users when used as it’s intended to be used.3

Non-smokers can get cancer from breathing in other people’s smoke. And people who chew tobacco increase their risk of getting cancer of the mouth (oral cancer), esophagus and pancreas,4,5 and chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease and diabetes.

Together, we could prevent about 2,780 cases of cancer in Alberta each year – if we support each other to be commercial tobacco free.6

The toxic chemicals in commercial tobacco products can cause cancer, but the nicotine is what makes it addictive. It only takes seven seconds for nicotine to reach the brain. The nicotine causes euphoria, but soon larger doses are needed to produce the same effect. Commercial tobacco users feel very strong symptoms when their nicotine levels drop.

Most people in Alberta who use commercial tobacco want to quit.7 And there are many new support systems that make it easier than ever before.

Quitting is an important step toward preventing cancer and chronic diseases. It is the single best thing you can do to improve your health and protect the health of your friends and family. From the moment you quit, your health will begin to improve. The benefits just keep adding up, and even extend beyond cancer prevention.

  • Within 24 hours, your risk of heart attack decreases.
  • In 9 months, your lung function improves with less coughing and shortness of breath.
  • In 10 years, your risk of dying from lung cancer reduces by half.

If you smoke, quitting is the most important thing you can do to prevent cancer.

Health Condition Specific Information

Choose from one of the health conditions below to see how lifestyle choices can impact your risk of developing that health condition.

HELP FOR QUITTING Commercial TOBACCO

If you want help getting ready to quit, we can help. AlbertaQuits Healthier Together provides information on stages of change, knowing your triggers, understanding quitting medications and building a quit plan. Click here to get started!

If you are ready to quit now, the AlbertaQuits HelpLine can help! It’s free to use and research shows that getting help from a health professional makes you twice as likely to be successful at quitting. Cessation counsellors will help you deal with cravings and help you stay motivated. The HelpLine is open from 8 am to 8 pm, seven days a week. Call toll free 1-866-710-QUIT (7848). Translation services are also available.

Get support

One important part of quitting smoking is getting help from those around you. For more information visit MyHealth Getting Support.

Calculate your savings

Quitting tobacco use really does lead to a richer life. Use this quit calculator tool to see how much you’ll be saving once you’re commercial tobacco free.

Deal with relapse

If you slip or smoke a little, don’t give up. Talk to someone. Don’t feel bad about yourself. A relapse is just a sign that you need to try a different approach. Visit MyHealth Dealing With Relapse.