A Hard Habit to Break
- A-lister Natalie Portman, 43, was spotted puffing on what appeared to be a cigarette last month, and roughly 28 million of Americans currently indulge in the habit. Though nonsmokers can — and unfortunately do — get lung cancer, cigarette “smoking remains the leading cause of preventable disease, disability, and death in the United States,” states the CDC.
- As of 2021, nearly “12 of every 100 U.S. adults” smoked cigarettes, which is how the CDC determined the approximate number of 28.3 million. The good news is that the habit has declined by nearly 10 percent since 2005, and will hopefully keep improving.
- Smoking is linked to about 80 to 90 percent of lung cancer deaths, and people who smoke cigarettes are 15 to 30 times more likely to get lung cancer or die from lung cancer than people who don’t smoke.
- As many people are aware, cigarette smoking is extremely addictive. In fact, the American Cancer Society says the habit is thought to be as addictive as illegal drugs like heroin. Still, there are many millions who have stopped, which means that you can also conquer quitting by trying one or more strategies like steering clear of triggers, exercising more, or chewing something to help curb the urge to light a smoke.
Though nonsmokers can — and unfortunately do — get lung cancer, “cigarette smoking remains the leading cause of preventable disease, disability, and death in the United States,” states the CDC.
Read MoreSmoking and Cancer Risk
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths for men and women in the United States.As mentioned, nonsmokers still get lung cancer, but cigarette smoking is the number one risk factor for the disease. Tobacco smoke contains a mixture of more than 7,000 different chemicals, at least 70 of which are known to cause cancer, the CDC says.
Take it From a Guy Who Looks at Diseased Lungs Every Day — Stop Smoking
Cigarette smoking is linked to about 80 to 90 percent of lung cancer deaths, and people who smoke cigarettes are 15 to 30 times more likely to get lung cancer or die from lung cancer than people who don’t smoke. Additionally, it’s important to know that second-hand smoke can cause lung cancer.
Cancer in Smokers vs. Nonsmokers
Researchers have made progress in understanding the differences between lung cancer in smokers versus nonsmokers, says Dr. Ronald Natale, a medical oncologist at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, and they’re developing targeted treatments that will be able to address the genetic drivers of lung cancer in nonsmokers.
“Among patients who are nonsmokers, or former very light smokers, we identify a mutation that we can target with pills in about 60% to 70% of them. That leaves 30% or so, 40%, in whom we either have a target for which we do not have successful treatment,” Dr. Natale previously told SurvivorNet.
“Among patients who are smokers, who have more complex cancers that have hundreds, sometimes thousands of mutations, don’t have a driver mutation that we can give a pill for, which is only a tiny percentage of lifelong smokers. Chemotherapy is the primary treatment in most patients,” Dr. Natale explained.
Lung Cancer in Smokers vs. Non-Smokers
Research published in Cancer Journal for Clinicians suggests that although the number of cancer cases is expected to rise, by eliminating tobacco use, millions could significantly reduce their cancer risks.
According to researchers, the number of annual cancer diagnoses will jump from roughly 20 million today to 35 million by 2050. The figure puts added pressure on cancer awareness advocates and healthcare practitioners because some of these cancer cases are preventable, according to experts.
“[Eliminating] tobacco use alone could prevent 1 in 4 cancer deaths or approximately 2.6 million cancer deaths annually,” said Dr. Ahmedin Jemal, senior vice president of surveillance & health equity science at the American Cancer Society and senior author of the study.
Not only is lung cancer the leading cause of death in the U.S., but it is also the leading cause of cancer death in men worldwide, per the American Cancer Society (ACS).
Guidelines for Lung Cancer Screening
Guidelines set by the ACS recommend yearly lung cancer screening for people who “smoke or formerly smoked and have a 20-year or greater pack-year history,” an ACS press release says.
“This updated guideline continues a trend of expanding eligibility for lung cancer screening, which will result in many more deaths prevented by expanding the eligibility criteria for screening to detect lung cancer early,” said Dr. Robert Smith, senior vice president of early cancer detection science at the American Cancer Society and lead author of the lung cancer screening guideline report.
Strategies to Help Smokers Curb Their Tobacco Habit
Cigarette smoking, as many people are aware, is extremely addictive. In fact, the American Cancer Society says the habit is thought to be as addictive as illegal drugs like heroin. Still, there are many millions who have stopped, which means that you can also conquer quitting.
Not only does smoking cause cancer, but it is also related to heart disease, stroke, asthma and diabetes.
Here are some strategies to quit smoking that may be helpful to you or your loved ones:
- Nicotine replacement therapy. Long-acting therapies like nicotine patches can be paired with short-acting therapies (including nicotine gum, lozenges, nasal spray, and inhalers) to cope with intense cravings.
- Steer clear of triggers. Cravings can be provoked by situations in which you are used to having tobacco.
Wait. If you feel yourself on the brink of giving in to a tobacco craving, delay smoking for 10 minutes and do something else to distract yourself. Move to a no-smoking area to make it less convenient for you to smoke. - Chew something. Whether it’s gum, candy, or vegetables, chew something that will occupy your mouth as you resist your cravings.
- Don’t give in to the “just one more” mentality. Smoking once can easily lead to smoking again.
- Exercise more. Boosting your physical activity can distract you from tobacco cravings and make them less intense. Exercise can mean many different things, but even short periods of physical activity can help.
- Try relaxation techniques. Techniques like deep breathing, yoga, visualization, muscle relaxation, and massage can help you relax and relieve stress.
- Reach out for support. You are establishing robust support systems. Calling a friend or family member to talk on the phone or go for a walk can help remind you that you’re not alone.
- Remind yourself why you want to quit. Whether your goal is to feel better, get healthier, save money, or prepare for cancer treatment, it can help to write down or speak aloud the reason you decided to quit in the first place.
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