Smoking and Tobacco
Tobacco smoke is a multi-organ carcinogen (Group 1)1. There is sufficient evidence that tobacco smoking causes cancers of the oral cavity and pharynx, nasopharynx, nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses, esophagus, stomach, colon and rectum, liver, pancreas, larynx, lung, cervix, ovary, kidney, bladder and other urinary (including ureter) and bone marrow (myeloid leukemia)1. Tobacco smoking is inversely related to endometrial cancer risk1.
In addition, for some cancers particularly those of the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx and oesophagus, there is a synergistic interaction between tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption1.
Despite successes in tobacco control in Ontario, a large number of Ontario adults and youth still smoke. Smoking was responsible for approximately 9,800 new cases of cancer in 20091.
Resources
- "Cannabis and cancer” provides an overview of the harms of cannabis and cannabinoids, and information on using cannabis and cannabinoids to manage cancer symptoms."
- “Vaping and your health” provides an overview of the harms of vaping and information on using e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation aid.
- Cancer Risk Factors in Ontario: Tobacco use
- Canadian Cancer Society – You Can Quit: One Step at a Time
- Canadian Cancer Society - Quit Smoking Booklet (for smokers who do not want to quit)
- Smokers' Helpline Online - Link to Online and Telephone Quit Programs
- Telehealth Ontario Tobacco Cessation Support - 1-866-797-0000
References
Cancer Care Ontario. Cancer Risk Factors in Ontario: Evidence Summary. Toronto, Canada, 2013