Top causes of death in N.B. linked to smoking: Lung Association

MONCTON – The New Brunswick Lung Association says a new health report reveals troubling statistics about smoking in the province.

The New Brunswick Health Council released its Population Health Snapshot Tuesday. Inside, the report lists the top ten causes of avoidable deaths in the province.

The top causes include lung cancer, heart disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Barbara Walls speaks for the Association and says these causes are all linked to smoking. She added that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is particularly a insidious problem.

“It is a disease whereby the tar by-product kills off your breathing sacks in your lungs. You don’t know that’s happening ,” she said. “You can quit smoking and 30-40 years be diagnosed with this disease and so it’s very insidious and if you look at hospital admissions C.O.P.D. is actually number two.”

Ray Falconer understands the risks. He blames smoking as a young boy for his C.O.P.D. He eventually quit after some 20 years but now depends on a special machine to help him breath.

“I had lung problems prior to smoking but smoking,” he said. “It never felt it helped you any.”

Walls says it’s important to reach out to children before they pick up the habit and teach them about the risks associated with smoking before it becomes a problem.

“You really need to get there before grade six,” she said. “You need to get to young people and talk to them when they’re impressionable about the effects of smoking.”