TORONTO, Jan. 17 /CNW/ - About one third of all cancer deaths in Canada last year could have been prevented if people had quit smoking 20 years ago, reports the Canadian Cancer Society. Approximately 65,000 Canadians died from cancer last year, and abo

"These statistics are a wake-up call for Canadians," says Dr. Barb Whylie, Director, Cancer Control Policy, Canadian Cancer Society. "Young people must be convinced not to start smoking, smokers need to be supported in their attempts to quit, and non-smokers need to be protected. The health of Canadians and our future generations depend on it. "The other great tragedy about lung cancer is that it's the greatest cause of premature death due to cancer. This means that many Canadians are being robbed of years of productive life because of this addictive substance." January 20-26 is National Non-Smoking Week. The Canadian Cancer Society reduces tobacco use through: educating people about the dangers associated with smoking; helping smokers quit through a proven self-help, quit smoking program called One Step at a Time; advocating for anti-tobacco legislation at all levels of government. The Society currently operates three toll-free telephone support smoking cessation programs in Ontario, British Columbia and Quebec. Smokers in those provinces can call Smokers Helpline (Ontario) at 1- 877-513-5333; Smokers' Helpline (British Columbia) at 1-877-455-2233; and J'arrête at 1-888-853-6666 (Quebec). "We are committed to reducing the burden of cancer through reducing tobacco use," says Whylie. The Canadian Cancer Society is a national community based organization whose mission is the eradication of cancer and the enhancement of the quality of life of people living with cancer and their families.

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