Quebec Tobacco-Free Week: Since 2003, smoking has killed over 100,000 Quebecers

The equivalent of depopulating Huntingdon, Baie-Comeau, Mont-Laurier, Saint-Hyacinthe and Gaspé

MONTREAL, Jan. 18, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - This Sunday marks the launch of Quebec Tobacco-Free Week. The Canadian Cancer Society (CCS)—Quebec Division, would like to take this opportunity to remind elected officials and the general public that even if the Tobacco Act has made a major contribution in the fight against smoking, it has not been updated since its enactment nearly 7 years ago. In the interval, the tobacco industry has developed a wide range of new products, and, despite investment in prevention, the smoking rate has remained level at 20% since 2006. For each smoker who quits or dies, another person takes up smoking.

Tobacco use is the leading cause of illness and death. Over 100,000 people in Quebec have died as a result of smoking in the past 10 years, which is equivalent to the combined population of Huntingdon, Baie-Comeau, Mont-Laurier, Saint-Hyacinthe and Gaspé. Smoking plays a role in the development of at least 17 types of cancer, including lung cancer, the most deadly of all. This year, lung cancer will kill twice as many women in Quebec as breast cancer and four times as many men as prostate cancer.

"Still today, smoking kills more people than road accidents, AIDS, drug use, alcohol abuse, fire, homicide, and suicide combined. About 28 people in Quebec die every day due to tobacco use. How can anyone claim that smoking is not our leading health problem? While we strive to eradicate this health scourge, the tobacco industry is working very hard to attract new customers, especially young people. This has to stop!" declares Mélanie Champagne, Coordinator, Public Issues, CCS.

The full press release and high resolution photos of tobacco products are available on cancer.ca (copyright-free)

SOURCE: CANADIAN CANCER SOCIETY, QUEBEC DIVISION

For further information:

Mélanie Champagne
Manager, Public Issues
Canadian Cancer Society, Quebec Division
514 651-1470, [e-mail]

André Beaulieu, Senior Advisor, Public Relations
Canadian Cancer Society, Quebec Division
514 393-3444, [e-mail]