1. Should You be Scared of a Fag?
The risk of dying from lung cancer is more than 23 times higher among men who smoke cigarettes, and about 13 times higher among women who smoke cigarettes compared to nonsmokers. The number of cigarettes you smoke daily and the longer you have smoked, the greater the risk. According to the National Cancer Institute, "Cigarette smoking causes 87 percent of lung cancer deaths," and is the leading cause of cancer death in both men and women.
2. Secondhand Smoke and Lung Cancer
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Infection, "Nonsmokers who are exposed to secondhand smoke at home or at work increase their risk of developing lung cancer by 20-30 percent." It should not surprise you that every year in the U.S., about 3,000 nonsmokers die from lung cancer due to secondhand smoke. And cigars and pipes are no substitute, either. So the next time you run into a buddy who smokes, do not hesitate to remind him of the risks.
3. Why Does Smoking Lead to Lung Cancer?
Simple: It is a cocktail of cancer-causing chemicals. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, secondhand smoke has been shown to contain over 50 cancer-causing ingredients, and "even brief secondhand smoke exposure can damage cells in ways that set the cancer process in motion." The more you are exposed to it, the greater your chances of developing lung cancer.
4. Does it Help to Quit?
It has been proven that if you quit smoking you lower the chances of lung and other cancers, heart attack, stroke, and chronic lung disease. The American Cancer Society data reveals that if you quit before age 50 you reduce your risk of dying in the next 15 years by half compared to those who continue smoking. However, your risk is still higher compared to nonsmokers. Smoking low-yield cigarettes, as compared to those with higher tar and nicotine, has no health benefit.
5. Practical Tips: Avoid Smoking Triggers
Quitting can be a challenge. Some of the smoking triggers include: alcohol consumption, watching TV, driving, finishing a meal, playing cards, taking a work break, being with other smokers, drinking coffee, seeing someone else smoke, cooling off after a fight and loneliness. So the next time you are stressed out and tempted to smoke, just remember the risks.
