Central Plains Cancer Services (CPCS) hopes people won't fall victim to one of the leading causes of the disease.

National Non-smoking Week takes place during the third full week of January. According to Health Canada, about 125 Canadians die of a smoke-related illness everyday, which is more than the deaths from alcohol, opioids, suicides, murders, and traffic collisions. 

CPCS executive director Sharilyn Knox says if you're planning on attempting to quit it this year, it's the perfect time to start, adding that vaping is also a dangerous habit to get into.

"They're absolutely both dangerous," explains Knox. "I've had a doctor tell me that the only thing that we should be putting in our lungs is air. vaping, for one, is just so new that they really don't know the long-term effects."

She states that it's disheartening to see so many young people pick up vaping, so she wants to spread the word about how dangerous it can be.

"There is a lot of support out there for people who decide that they want to quit," says Knox. "If they need assistance, they can reach out to Cancer Care Manitoba. If you want to come by our office, we can always point you in the right direction."

She encourages anyone who smokes to try their best to cut back, if not quit. Knox iterates that if you're planning on quitting, you have to commit as much as you can, and she wishes the best to anyone who tries.

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