Canadian Cancer Society promotes smoke-free lifestyles in Ontario's lesbian, gay and bisexual communities

The Canadian Cancer Society in Ontario has developed a new information and awareness resource entitled "Facts about Tobacco for Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual People: Reasons and Resources for Quitting Smoking".

Research has indicated that smoking rates are higher in lesbian, gay and bisexual communities. As an organization committed to tobacco control, the Canadian Cancer Society is concerned about this research because higher smoking prevalence rates often lead to higher rates of cancer.

"The Society is committed to helping people understand the risks of tobacco use and second-hand smoke," says says Kara Spedding, Director, Community Outreach and Innovation, Canadian Cancer Society, Ontario Division. "The Society provides smokers with the information and support that they need, even if they are not ready to quit, through our Smokers' Helpline service."

The Canadian Cancer Society Smokers' Helpline (1 877 513-5333 and www.smokershelpline.ca) is a free, confidential service that provides personalized support, information and advice about quitting smoking and tobacco use. Trained Quit Specialists help people develop a 'quit plan' and answer questions about quitting. Help is available, seven days a week, over the phone and online.

"Tobacco use is a major health issue in lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) communities and this new brochure will play an important role in raising awareness across the province," says Loralee Gillis, Research and Policy Coordinator, Rainbow Health Ontario. "It is important that we have health promotion materials specifically targeted to LGBT people and we are thrilled that the Canadian Cancer Society has produced this groundbreaking resource."

Facts about Tobacco for Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual People: Reasons and Resources for Quitting Smoking is available in English and French and can be found online at www.cancer.ca/lgb.