Smoking and cancer
The causal link between oncology and smoking has been proven by the results of numerous clinical studies.
The risks associated with smoking vary for neoplasms of different localizations. The probability of developing cancer increases if a person started smoking early, smokes a large number of cigarettes per day, and has a long smoking history.
Scientists have proven that smokers have a two to three times higher risk of developing pharyngeal cancer and oral cancer than non-smokers. The risk of developing lung cancer and laryngeal cancer is very high in smokers, with the probability of developing oncology increasing significantly if the patient starts smoking in adolescence (before the age of 15). The later a person succumbs to the harmful habit, the lower the risk of developing cancer. Smokers have a 5 times higher risk of developing esophageal cancer and a 1.5 times higher risk of developing stomach cancer compared to people who lead a healthy lifestyle. Smoking is known to be one of the causes of pancreatic cancer, kidney cancer, and bladder cancer. Smoking increases the risk of cervical cancer, especially in combination with nutritional deficiencies and early initiation of smoking, when the cervical epithelium is most vulnerable to infection by the human papillomavirus and toxic substances.
Electronic Cigarettes and Oncology
Can electronic cigarettes cause cancer? To date, this issue has not been sufficiently studied. Electronic cigarettes and vapes are considered less harmful to health compared to regular cigarettes, as well as hookahs and cigars (especially if nicotine-free mixtures are used).
The composition of such mixtures is precisely known, which allows doctors to make cautious statements that there is currently no data on the occurrence of lung cancer from electronic cigarettes. This is the difference between electronic cigarettes and conventional tobacco smoking, which causes lung cancer. However, this issue requires further study. Special clinical trials must be conducted to definitively confirm or refute the safety of electronic cigarettes for human health.
When using electronic cigarettes containing nicotine, the risk of oncology increases by approximately 4 times. In addition, such devices eventually cause chronic inflammation of the mucous membrane of the respiratory organs, which becomes swollen and loose, which can also lead to cancer.
Oncology and passive smoking
It is important to understand that a smoker harms not only themselves but also the health of those around them. A study conducted in Germany showed that frequent exposure of a non-smoker to smoky environments increases the risk of cancer from passive smoking by 30%.
More than 60% of women diagnosed with malignant neoplasms in the respiratory tract constantly inhaled smoky air, despite not smoking themselves.
In this regard, leading oncologists worldwide have recommended significantly restricting tobacco smoking in public places. This measure has helped reduce the incidence of lung cancer caused by smoking by 30%.
Regular inhalation of tobacco smoke increases the risk of developing bronchial asthma, ARVI, bacterial meningitis, and reduces immunity. Passive smoking usually occurs at home, where one or both parents smoke. Smoke spreads throughout the apartment, and even regular ventilation does not help. Harmful particles settle on clothing and surfaces.
The main method of preventing respiratory cancer is complete smoking cessation. In people who quit smoking, general well-being quickly improves, and the following positive changes occur:
- normalization of oxygen levels in the body;
- disappearance of smoker's cough and bronchitis;
- improved breathing;
- relief from chronic fatigue;
- improved blood circulation, restoration of myocardial function.
Take care of yourself and be healthy!
"Rassonsky RTCGE" State Institution, 2023