Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable disease and death in Canada and in most other developed countries. Smoking causes cancer, lung disease, heart disease and many other health problems.
Cancer
About 50 of them, such as tar, ammonia, carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen and benzopyrene, can cause cancer. In Canada, lung cancer accounts for almost one third of cancer deaths in men and about one fourth of cancer deaths in women. Smoking is a major cause of cancers of the mouth, throat, voice box and oesophagus. Smoking is a contributing cause of cancers of the bladder, kidney and pancreas.
Lung disease
Smoking causes chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a group of diseases that includes emphysema, chronic bronchitis and asthmatic bronchitis. COPD is called the "silent killer." Many smokers don't know they are affected until it is too late. There is no cure for these diseases and no way to reverse the damage. Ten percent to 15% of all smokers will develop COPD.
Cardiovascular diseases
Smoking causes heart disease, stroke and diseases of the blood vessels. Smoking and second-hand smoke make the heart work harder. Smoking decreases the amount of oxygen that is carried in the blood, increases the heart rate and decreases the size of blood vessels.
Smoking can cause severe damage to the heart and arteries. This can lead to heart attack and sudden death, stroke, peripheral vascular disease ("poor circulation") and aortic aneurysm.
Other health problems
There is growing evidence linking smoking to a number of other serious health problems.
- Cataracts
- Erectile dysfunction (impotency)
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (symptoms include heartburn and acid regurgitation)
- Infertility
- Hormone-related problems (including earlier female and male menopause)
- Menstrual disorders
- Sleeping problems
- Thyroid disease
- Tooth and gum disease
- Ulcers and bowel disorders
Quick Facts
- Smoking causes lung cancer and cancers of the mouth, throat, voice box and oesophagus.
- Smoking is a contributing cause of cancers of the bladder, kidney and pancreas.
- Smoking causes respiratory diseases.
- Smoking causes cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease, stroke and diseases of the blood vessels.
- Light cigarettes can yield levels of tar, nicotine and carbon monoxide that are much higher than the levels recorded on the sides of the cigarette packages.
There are many excellent sources of online health information related to tobacco and smoking. The following websites are a good start. Also, contact your local Regional Health Authority office for more health information.
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