Health Consequences of Smoking Among Canadian Smokers: an Update

The expected number of deaths in 4 hypothetical Canadian cohorts (male current smokers, male never smokers, female current smokers, & female never smokers) was examined by constructing abridged life tables. The expected number of premature deaths (before age 70) among lifelong smokers was found to be about twice that expected among lifelong never-smokers. These deaths resulted mainly from cancer & coronary disease. Suicide rates were also tabulated. The impact of smoking on premature mortality is emphasized. (15 refs)