Health Risks Associated with Smoking Cigarettes in Canada

1) Cancer

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in Canada, and smoking is a significant risk factor. Smoking cigarettes can cause several types of cancer, including lung cancer, throat cancer, and bladder cancer. In Canada, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths, and smoking cigarettes is responsible for approximately 85% of all lung cancer cases.

2) Respiratory Diseases

Smoking cigarettes damages your lungs and airways, leading to respiratory diseases such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Chronic bronchitis causes inflammation of the airways, making it difficult to breathe, while emphysema damages the air sacs in the lungs, making it challenging to exhale. In Canada, smoking cigarettes is responsible for about 30% of all deaths due to respiratory diseases.

3) Cardiovascular Diseases

Smoking cigarettes is a significant risk factor for heart disease and stroke. It damages the blood vessels, leading to atherosclerosis, a condition where the arteries narrow and harden, making it difficult for blood to flow. This can lead to heart attacks and strokes. In Canada, smoking cigarettes is responsible for about 30% of all deaths due to heart disease.

4) Reproductive Problems

Smoking cigarettes can cause reproductive problems in both men and women. Women who smoke have a higher risk of infertility, premature birth, and low birth weight. Smoking cigarettes can also affect sperm quality in men, leading to infertility.

5) Dental Problems

Smoking cigarettes can cause several dental problems, including tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer. In Canada, smoking cigarettes is responsible for about 50% of all cases of oral cancer.

Other Health Risks

Smoking cigarettes can also cause other health risks such as:

• Diabetes
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Vision loss
• Weakened immune system