This statement was developed cooperatively by the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists, Canadian Association of Social Workers, Canadian Dental Association, Canadian Medical Association, Canadian Nurses Association, Canadian Pharmacists Association, Canadian Physiotherapy Association, Canadian Psychological Association, and Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists. Tobacco is the number one risk factor for preventable death and disease in Canada. Nearly 7 million Canadians smoke, and an estimated 45,000 of them die every year of tobacco related diseases. A person's decision to use tobacco is the result of a complex interaction of factors that varies from one individual to another. However, for those who already smoke, quitting smoking is the single most effective thing that they can do to enhance the quality and length of their lives.
Health professionals are in a unique position to assist smokers.
Therefore, this statement focuses on smoking cessation as part of a comprehensive strategy, specifically on the role of health professionals in helping Canadians stop smoking. Most smokers are not happy with their habit, and the majority would like to quit. But the relapse rate is very high because of the addictive nature of tobacco, and of possible social pressures on the smoker. Most smokers attempt to quit several times before they finally succeed. Smoking cessation counselling is widely recognized as an effective clinical practice.