Quit Smoking

Quitting commercial tobacco use is one of the best things you can do to lower your risk for several types of cancers and chronic health conditions. 

Live smoke-free.

  • There is no safe amount when it comes to smoking commercial tobacco.
  • The best thing for our health is to live smoke-free. Avoiding second-hand smoke is also important.
  • By quitting smoking, we lower our risk for several types of cancers and chronic health conditions.
  • It is never too late to quit smoking, and there are immediate and long-term health benefits to quitting at any age.
  • No matter when you quit, you’ll start to breathe easier, and you'll reduce your lung cancer risk in the long term. 

If I’ve used tobacco for years, will I still benefit from quitting now?

Yes! It’s never too late to stop tobacco use. Stopping smoking significantly improves your health. 

By quitting smoking, people with a cancer diagnosis improve their chance of survival by 30–40 per cent! 

Should I quit tobacco use before I start cancer treatment?

There are many benefits to quitting tobacco use, especially if you are undergoing cancer treatment:

  • Better chance of successful treatment
  • Reduced chance of treatment-related complications
  • Improved health and response to treatment
  • Fewer side effects
  • Easier breathing
  • Improved sleep and energy level
  • Faster recovery from treatment or surgery
  • Longer life expectancy

Is there a difference between traditional and commercial tobacco?

Yes, traditional and commercial tobacco are not the same.

Traditional tobacco

For many Indigenous communities, traditional tobacco is a gift given by the Creator. Traditional tobacco is not inhaled into the body and is free from poisonous and cancer-causing chemicals. It is not used for recreational or habitual purposes. Traditional tobacco is used to:

  • Give thanks to the Creator
  • Honour all creatures
  • Seek protection and guidance
  • Convey gratitude, love and kindness

Commercial tobacco

Commercially prepared cigarettes, chewing tobacco and snuff are forms of tobacco that contain chemicals that are harmful to the body and can lead to addiction. Commercial tobacco increases your risk of:

  • Cancer
  • Heart disease
  • Stroke
  • Type 2 diabetes

Learn more about the difference between traditional and commercial tobacco from this video by Northern Saskatchewan Breathe Easy.

Where can I find help to quit tobacco use?

Quitting smoking is hard, but support is available. There are several resources available to help you quit, including:

  • Your family doctor or nurse practitioner
  • Your community pharmacist, who may provide PACT (Partnership to Assist with Cessation of Tobacco) counselling and/or prescribe tobacco cessation aids. View this PDF to learn more about PACT.
  • Smokers’ Helpline: 1-877-513-5333; www.smokershelpline.ca