Local Cancer Agencies to Motivate Youth to Stop Smoking Using a Unique Café Style Approach

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Cancer Talk 2011 – Trash the Ash is a free event open to the public, that is  particularly directed towards youth aged 15-25, to encourage them to quit smoking.  The evening will feature three guest speakers and a unique café style format.   A local media personality will act as moderator. Each speaker will talk for ten minutes, and then attendees participate in interactive discussions with the presenters and local medical students.

The three featured speakers are:

Dr. Lisa Porter, Associate Professor at the Department of Biological Sciences University of Windsor will talk about what happens to the body when it’s exposed to smoke at a young age.

Dr. David Hammond, Assistant Professor at the Department of Health Studies and Gerontology, University of Waterloo will share with students how they are being manipulated by the tobacco industry with innovative cigarette packaging and marketing.

Joanne Dinardo, Senior Manager with The Canadian Cancer Society will talk about the Cancer Society’s tobacco cessation programs and opportunities for youth to become engaged with the Society’s tobacco control advocacy activities.

Beth Dulmage, Manager of Cancer Prevention and Screening, Erie St. Clair Regional Cancer Program says “While smoking rates have decreased across Ontario in recent years to about 19% overall, smoking rates among young people are higher than those of the general population”  She goes onto say “Of particular concern is the high rate of young adult smokers in Windsor-Essex – 35% of males aged 20-24 years in Windsor-Essex are smokers which is much higher than the national average, and concerning given that smoking is responsible for 30% of cancer deaths, and numerous other health problems.”

“Motivating our youth to stop smoking, or never start smoking is very difficult – preaching doesn’t work, so we’re delivering these important messages in a relaxed, informal atmosphere” continues Dulmage. “Enticing them with free snacks and a chance to win an iPad2 will help us get as many youth out as we can. The more we can reach, the greater the odds that we can save more kids from the risk of getting cancer and a host of other diseases”.

The evening begins at 7:00 pm on Wednesday at The Hangar at St. Clair College.   Parking will be free.