Although smoking rates have decreased significantly over the last two decades, lung cancer – most commonly caused by smoking – is the leading cause of cancer deaths in Canada. Each year, over 24,000 people in Canada are diagnosed with lung cancer and 20,000 Canadians die of the disease.

“For those who do smoke, quitting can have a significant and positive impact on your health,” says Dr. Henry Krieger, a medical oncologist at The Scarborough Hospital. “Lung cancer is the most preventable cancer and the deadliest. Quitting smoking can reduce your risk of developing the disease.”

Dr. Krieger shares some good reasons to quit smoking today:

1. Cigarettes contain 70 chemical compounds known to cause cancer.
2. Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer and kills more than 20,000 Canadians annually.
3. Smoking can also lead to other cancers including oral, esophageal and larynx cancers.
4. Exposing others to second-hand smoke puts them at risk of developing health problems.
5. Quitting smoking saves money.
6. By butting out permanently, you will improve your sense of smell and taste.
7. Smoking can cause complications with other diseases like diabetes.
8. Smoking contributes to heart disease, emphysema, stroke and several other life-threatening conditions.
9. Stopping smoking can give you fresher breath and cleaner teeth as well as a fresher smelling home, car and clothes.
10. Quitting smoking can improve breathing.