Canada - little cigar/cigarillos smoking declined from 2007 - 2008..

February 24, 2009 - Data from the Canadian Tobacco Use Monitoring Survey (CTUMS) indicates that the smoking of little cigars / cigarillos declined from 2007 to 2008.

Let's not forget - Health Canada data released at the end of May 2008 showed that sales of cigarillos have grown by over 300% per year between 2001 and 2006, from fewer than 50,000 units to over 80 million. (TobaccoWatch.org)

Among minors (under the age of 18), the prevalence rate declined from 8.4% in 2007 to 7.4% in 2008 - resulting in 12,100 fewer little cigar / cigarillo smokers. Among 18-19 year olds, the prevalence rate declined from 14.2% in 2007 to 13.6% in 2008 - resulting in 5,500 fewer little cigar / cigarillo smokers in this age group.

Comparatively speaking, cigarette use actually increased during this same period. Among minors (under the age of 18), there were 1,135 additional cigarette smokers in 2008 (compared to 2007); Among 18-19 year olds, CTUMS recorded an additional 7,596 cigarette smokers in 2008 (compared to 2007).

Related news briefs: Canadian Cancer Society calls for federal ban on flavored cigars..; Ontario to outlaw candy flavored cigars..; Ontario poised to ban flavored cigarillos..; Canada: a bill introduced to snuff out drive to recruit young smokers..; Still sucking our youngsters in.. and Quebec - Teens Switch from Cigarettes to Cigarillos...

Reference:
Health Canada Research Confirms: Orchestrated Attack on Flavored Cigarillos Baseless, CNW Group. 2/18/2009.

Image - box of peach flavored little cigars with a splash of champagne..