Perspective on Cancer Control: Whither the Tobacco Endgame for Canada?

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Tobacco Control Policy
• Health Economics

Background:

• Canada's expert group convened in 2014 to develop a "Tobacco Endgame" strategy.
• The strategy aims to eliminate factors sustaining tobacco use for improved population health.
• A National Tobacco Endgame Summit in 2016 established the goal of <5% tobacco use by 2035 (<5 by '35).

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the progress of Canada's Tobacco Endgame strategy since 2016.
• To identify challenges and opportunities in achieving the <5 by '35 goal.
• To recommend future directions for a reinvigorated tobacco control strategy.

Main Methods:

• Review of progress reports and national forums following the 2016 Summit.
• Analysis of tobacco use trends in Canada over the past five years.
• Assessment of the impact of new products like e-cigarettes and cannabis.

Main Results:

• Progress towards the <5 by '35 goal has been mixed.
• Tobacco use has declined but not at the required rate; over 5 million Canadians still smoke.
• New products present both risks and opportunities for tobacco control.

Conclusions:

• A bold, reinvigorated tobacco control strategy is essential for Canada to achieve its Endgame goal.
• Full implementation of WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control policies is needed.
• Disruptive new policies and regulations are required to meet the <5 by '35 target.