Why NOT To Smoke?
...LUNG CANCER. Lung Cancer is a leading cause of cancer death for both men and women and is a major cause of death around the world. Almost two million people worldwide are diagnosed with lung cancer each year. Only about 250,000 of them (less than one in six) will remain alive five years later. More men than women contract the disease, by a ration of two to three.
...Cigarette smoking is responsible for 85 percent of lung cancer deaths.
...And it is now abundantly clear that "passive smoking" (ongoing, persistent exposure to other's smoke) is a significant health hazard.
...There are other, well-documented, but less frequent, causes of lung cancer, including exposure to asbestos, radon,berylium, and various other chemicals. But the combination of chemical exposure with cigarette smoking is particularly ominous, raising the risk of contracting the disease by 10 to 50 times.
...Increasing evidence suggests susceptibility to lung cancer. And data indicated that a deficiency of vitamin A may also be a risk factor. However, current dietary recommendations for prevention of lung cancer simply call for a well-balanced diet, including an abundance of fruits and vegetables.
...Lung cancer is not easily discovered in the early stages. It often goes undetected until it is moderately advanced.
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By the time it is visible on a routine chest xray, it has often spread to nearby tissues or to organs outside the lung.
...Depending on the specific tumor type and its degree of spread, treatment recommendations may include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or some combination of the three. Unfortunately, the potential benefits of treatment may be outweighed by the associated side effects.
...Lung cancer is one of the most preventable and least curable of cancers. Therein lies the poignant paradox of this devastating disease. You can help prevent the tragedy of lung cancer by refusing to smoke and encouraging your family and friends to do the same.
Smoke Screens If you've ever smoked, take note: You may be able to reduce your lung cancer risk by popping just a couple of pills a day. Start with a good multivitamin containing B6, a vitamin that prevents the DNA damage that can cause malignancies. Follow the B6 with an anti-inflammatory, such as ibuprofen or aspirin. A study shows that men who take either medication at least three times a week reduce their lung cancer risk. And if you're trying to kick the habit, opt for maximum- strength patches and gums. New researh shows that men often need larger doses of nicotine replacements so they can give up the habit for good. |
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