Quitting Smoking (Tobacco)

Quitting tobacco smoking is the best thing you can do to improve your health.

Reasons for quitting

Smoking can have many negative effects on your health and overall well-being.  There is strong evidence that smoking tobacco is related to more than two dozen diseases and conditions. It has negative effects on nearly all organs of the body and worsens overall health.

Some of the health problems that can result from smoking tobacco include:

  • Different types of cancer including, but not limited to:
    • Lung
    • mouth
    • throat
    • leukemia
    • pancreas
    • cervix
  • Respiratory diseases
  • Cardiovascular diseases

Did you know that it takes the average person multiple quit attempts? Do not give up. You can quit!

How to quit

Quitting can be hard but you have support. Nicotine is a highly addictive chemical in tobacco and many people need repeated attempts at quitting before they stop smoking altogether. The good news is that you learn from each quit attempt.

Research tells us that you are most likely to quit for good if you use nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) or nicotine cessation medication along with supportive counselling. Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or other health-care provider. You can also call the Smokers’ Helpline at 1-800-363-5864. There are many supports available to choose from, so find one that works best for you.

Visit Health Canada’s new “Quit Smoking” page for links to quit tools and resources, watch videos and learn how you can support others on their quit journey.

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Last updated: 2023-12-19