Until today, cancer remains to be one of the deadliest diseases in the world, killing millions of lives every year. Cancer develops when the cells in affected areas of the body become severely damaged. Usually, this disease doesn’t have any symptom at first. But in the later stages, when cancer has already invaded the entire body, the symptoms start to unravel. And sadly, there is way to cure the disease at such point.
1. Lung Cancer
Over 90% of lung cancer incidences have been caused by smoking, according to American Lung Association. Even exposure to second-hand smoke can increase one’s risk of cancer. This disease is very hard to treat and comes with extremely debilitating symptoms.
2. Oral Cancer
Other than yellowish teeth and stinky breath, people who smoke may also develop oral cancer. American Lung Association reports that 80% of oral cancer cases are caused by smoking. Tobacco contains over 6 cancer-causing substances, and the rest of the 4,000 chemicals are considered toxic. Tobacco pollutes the mouth even before it comes inside the body and pollutes your entire system.
3. Cervical Cancer
Studies show that women who smoke are more at risk of developing cervical cancer than those who don’t. It is the third-leading cause of death in women. HPV, or the human papillomavirus, is the major cause of cervical cancer. But such type of virus becomes more dangerous in women who smoke, Swedish researchers found.
4. Stomach Cancer
28% of men who have stomach cancers developed the disease due to smoking. This cancer is caused by the proliferation of Helicobacter pylori – a group of bacteria that sticks to the mucous coating that lines the stomach. When the bacteria become matured, they trigger a chronic infection that often results to ulcers and other digestive problems.
5. Throat Cancer
Also known as laryngeal cancer, this life-threatening disease occurs when there is an abnormal production of cells in the throat, leading to tumour. Most throat cancers initially develop in the larynx where the vocal cords are located. Early symptoms include difficulty speaking and breathing, and hoarseness of voice. Some of the chemical compounds in tobacco, when inhaled, cause genetic changes in the throat, which then leads to cancer.
How to Cut Your Risk
All these diseases are preventable. Meaning, you have all opportunity to protect yourself from suffering any of these cancers. The best way to cut your risk is to stop smoking today. Although in the first few weeks of smoking cessation it may be difficult, there’s a greater reward waiting for you in the end – good health. Studies show that those who quit smoking in midlife significantly decrease their risk of developing cancer. What more if you will stop in your 20s. But even if you are already in your 40s or 50s (even older), you can still benefit from quitting smoking now. IT IS NEVER TOO LATE.
Talk to your doctor and know your options. Surely, there is a smoking cessation treatment that will be most suitable and effective for you.