CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. – As the provincial legislature resumes, the Canadian Cancer Society is asking the government to fund a comprehensive smoking cessation program.
Given that smoking is related to 30 per cent of all cancer deaths, the society is urging the P.E.I. government to invest in residents who want to quit.
“Half of all smokers will attempt to quit smoking this year, but few will be successful without proper support,” said Marlene Mulligan of the Canadian Cancer Society P.E.I.
“The majority of Islanders who do smoke, want to quit. It’s imperative that our government enhance support to these citizens. Reducing smoking rates on P.E.I. will benefit individuals, and reduce costs to the health care system.”
Currently, P.E.I. offers one $75 credit per person per year for nicotine replacement therapies (NRT) to help people quit. This covers the cost of one to two weeks of NRT for heavy smokers, when 12-16 weeks is recommended.
2016, 102 Islanders received the $75 credit, reaching less than 0.5 per cent of smokers. In contrast, British Columbia residents who want to quit smoking receive a full course of patches, sprays, medication and expert counselling at no charge. The B.C. program reaches 20 per cent of all smokers in the province, and 27 per cent of participants are successfully quitting.
According with the 2015 Canadian Community Health Survey, the smoking rate on P.E.I. is 15 per cent.
For more information on tobacco control, visit www.cancer.ca.
