About 6,000 British Columbians die of tobacco use each year.

That’s according to Jenny Byford, an Advocacy Lead with the Canadian Cancer Society.

It’s National Non-Smoking Week, and Byford says they are concerned because there’s been a spike in tobacco use.

“We’re concerned about the increase and we need to rethink our strategy on how we can help people quit smoking and rethink our access to tobacco,” she said.

“Specifically, in BC with rates going up, and Kamloops is one of the highest regions in the province for smoking.”

Byford also went on to say that there are little to no rules that address the distance where tobacco can be sold from schools.

“In some areas, it’s easier to access tobacco than fresh vegetables,” Byford added.

She notes it’s often hard for people to quit smoking, and things like restricting access to tobacco could help them kick their habit.