Viva Vitality: National Non-Smoking Week January 15 – 21

By Madison Keys

As we welcome the year 2024, we also welcome National Non-Smoking Week which takes place January 15 to 21. This week is dedicated to encouraging people to be healthier and exclude smoking from their lives.

According to the Canadian Cancer Association, smokers are at a higher risk of developing at least 16 various types of cancer. Specifically, those who smoke are around 20 times more likely to develop lung cancer than those who do not smoke. This increased risk continues to rise the longer an individual smokes and the more cigarettes they smoke a day. It has been found that within Canada, 72 per cent of cases of lung cancer are due to smoking tobacco. This is especially concerning as within Canada lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death. Upon examining the life span of smokers, it was found that most smokers will die around 10 years earlier than someone who has never smoked.

The good news however is that quitting smoking can decrease the risk of developing cancer and increase the overall health of an individual. The immediate positive health effects happen just 20 minutes after quitting smoking according to the Canadian Cancer Association, when the pulse rate and blood pressure of the individual return to normal. About 24 hours, or one day, after quitting smoking, an individual may begin to cough more; this is a good thing as the lungs are beginning to clear out the mucus that has built up from smoking. About 48 hours, or two days, after quitting the body has rid itself of the nicotine and an individual’s sense of smell and taste begins to return. Long-term, specifically ten years, after quitting smoking, an individual’s risk of dying from lung cancer is cut in half.

If you or someone you know is trying to become a non-smoker, there are resources available to help you on your journey:

• QuitCore is a free group support program for Albertans aged 18+, that provides tools and skills needed to quit smoking. Look for QuitCore at albertahealthservices.ca

• Alberta Quits is available to provide continuous support and education before, during, and after your quitting smoking journey. Look for Getting Help at albertaquits.healthiertogether.ca

Being a non-smoker is not something you have to go through alone. Together we can all do our part to reduce the rates of smoking and create a healthier population overall.

Madison Keys is a practicum student with the Alberta Health Services South Zone Population and Public Health team.