Canadian Cancer Society launches sixth annual Driven to Quit Challenge

Results of an Angus Reid Public Opinion survey conducted in December show that 20 per cent of Ontario adults are current tobacco users, including cigarettes, cigars and chew tobacco, and that half of them have tried unsuccessfully to quit in the past.  

This news comes as the Canadian Cancer Society launches the sixth annual Driven to Quit Challenge today together with the Ministry of Health Promotion and Sport. With hundreds of thousands currently trying to break free from their tobacco addiction in Ontario, The Driven to Quit Challenge encourages tobacco users to make a quit attempt for the month of March for their chance to win exciting prizes.

Of those surveyed, one in five (18 per cent) who have tried to quit tobacco - with or without success - attempted to quit more than five times.

"Since 2006, The Driven to Quit Challenge has inspired more than 130,000 quit attempts," said Martin Kabat, CEO, Canadian Cancer Society, Ontario Division. "With the 2011 Challenge and increased awareness it brings to cessation support, I'm confident that we're helping Ontarians find the motivation and the help that they need to quit smoking and improve their health."

Those who stay smoke-free for the month of March are entered to win their choice of a new Honda hybrid, one of two $5,000 CAA vacation getaways and one of seven $2,000 MasterCard gift cards. Each entrant registers with a support buddy, who can qualify to win a buddy prize of a $200 MasterCard gift card.

"Our government is committed to helping Ontarians break the cycle of tobacco addiction. Every attempt to quit is a vital part of this process. That is why we support initiatives such as The Driven to Quit Challenge that encourage smokers to break the cycle of addiction to tobacco," said Margarett Best, Minister of Health Promotion and Sport.

To register and for details about The Driven to Quit Challenge, Ontarians can go to www.DrivenToQuit.ca or call the Canadian Cancer Society Smokers' Helpline at 1 877 513-5333. Registration is open until February 28, 2011. Early birds who register in January can also qualify to win a $1,000 MasterCard gift card.