Smoking Cessation: A Lifeline To Prevent Lung Cancer

Take charge of your lung health! Quitting smoking is the most powerful step you can take to prevent lung cancer. By quitting, you drastically reduce your risk and pave the way to a healthier, cancer-free future.

Published on: 28 July, 2023

Smoking, a prevalent yet alarming habit, continues to cast a dark shadow on public health in India, with a direct and significant link to lung cancer. Though lung cancer is caused by variety of risk factors, the evidence connecting it to smoking is indisputable, making it one of the most preventable causes of this deadly disease.

India is the third largest tobacco producer in the world and consumes nearly 50% of these products within its borders. According to the Global Adult Tobacco Survey India (2016-17), approximately 26 crore adults use tobacco products like khaini, gutkha, and smoking. Tobacco consumption accounts for over 25% of cancer cases in the country, and smoking is the primary cause of almost 90% of lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) deaths.

The undeniable link between smoking and lung cancer has led to a pressing need for smoking cessation as a vital preventive measure. Understanding the correlation between smoking and lung cancer risks is the first step in adopting a smoke-free lifestyle to protect one’s health.

How does smoking lead to lung cancer?

Tobacco smoke contains approximately 7,000 harmful chemicals, and out of those, 70 are known to be cancer-causing agents. When a person inhales tobacco smoke, these toxic chemicals enter the lungs and are absorbed into the bloodstream. Smoking also harms the cells lining the lungs. Initially, the body tries to repair the damage, but the immune system is weakened, and over time, the cells may become abnormal and lead to the development of cancer.

From there, they can spread throughout the body, even damaging DNA. The longer a person smokes and the higher the number of cigarettes smoked per day, the greater the risk of developing cancer. Even pipe, cigar, and e-cigarette smoking are harmful to health.

Can second-hand smoking also cause lung cancer?

Before cigarette advertisements were banned, many adults started smoking during their late teenage years and became addicted to smoking, turning into regular smokers. These individuals are at a high risk of developing lung cancer, but their secondhand smoke also poses a danger to others. Passive smokers face at least a 30% higher chance of developing lung cancer compared to non-smokers.

Which tobacco product poses an increased risk of developing lung cancer?

In rural India, Bidi is the most common way people smoke. Bidi smoke has about 2 to 3 times more nicotine and tar than cigarettes, which makes it even more dangerous for causing lung cancer and even heart problems. People with low income, who are illiterate, and those who are getting older, tend to smoke Bidi more than cigarettes. The more Bidi someone smokes each day and the longer they have been smoking, the higher the risk of getting lung cancer.

What are some of the harmful cancer-causing substances present in tobacco?

Tobacco-specific nitrosamines: These chemicals are formed during the curing and processing of tobacco, and they are potent carcinogens.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs): PAHs are formed when organic material, like tobacco, is burned. They can damage DNA and are linked to several types of cancer.
Benzene: This chemical is found in tobacco smoke and is known to cause leukemia, a type of blood cancer.
Formaldehyde: A substance used in embalming, formaldehyde is present in tobacco smoke and can damage DNA and cause cancer.

How can you prevent smoking-related lung cancer?

Quitting smoking can prevent 12 types of cancer, including lung cancer. Within 10-15 years of quitting, the risk of lung cancer drops by half! Research has shown that individuals who quit smoking experience immediate health benefits. Within minutes of quitting, heart rate and blood pressure start to normalize, and the risk of heart attack begins to decrease. Within a few weeks, lung function improves, and the risk of lung cancer starts to decline.

What resources and methods can someone avail to give up smoking permanently?

Finding the right approach for smoking cessation is crucial for long-term success. There are several methods available to help individuals quit smoking and overcome nicotine addiction. These include:

Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT): NRT involves using products like nicotine patches, gums, lozenges, inhalers, and nasal sprays. These products provide controlled doses of nicotine to ease withdrawal symptoms and cravings while gradually reducing dependence.
Behavioral therapy: Behavioral counseling and support from trained professionals can be effective in helping smokers change their behavior and cope with triggers and cravings associated with smoking.
Telephonic and online quitlines: Quitlines are toll-free helplines that provide counseling and support to individuals seeking to quit smoking. They offer personalized advice and guidance to develop a quit plan.

Toll-free national quitline: 1800 112 356 (8 am-8 pm, counseling in English and Hindi)
mCessation programme: leave a missed call on 011-22901701
Mobile apps and online resources: There are various mobile apps and websites that offer quitting support, including tracking progress, setting goals, providing tips, and connecting with a community of others trying to quit.

Mobile apps for quitting smoking:
1. EasyQuit
2. Smoke Free
3. Kwit
4. QuitSure
5. Quit Now
Support groups: Joining support groups or quit-smoking programs can offer social support, encouragement, and a sense of community to those attempting to quit smoking.
Prescription medications: Some medications, such as bupropion and varenicline, can be prescribed by healthcare professionals to help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms during the quitting process.
Mindfulness and meditation: Mindfulness practices and meditation techniques can help manage stress and reduce the urge to smoke.
Healthcare provider support: Seeking guidance from healthcare providers, such as doctors or counselors, can provide personalized advice and medical assistance in quitting.

Taking the first step towards a smoke-free life is a crucial measure in preventing lung cancer. Sustaining smoke-free lifestyle habits, such as exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, and avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke, can further reduce the risk of lung cancer. It is important to focus on healthy habits instead of tobacco use, as this shift can significantly improve overall well-being.

It is essential to remember that quitting smoking is a journey and may involve multiple attempts. Combining multiple methods and seeking support from various sources can enhance the chances of success in quitting smoking and improving overall health.

How does smoking lead to lung cancer?

Can second-hand smoking also cause lung cancer?

Which tobacco product poses an increased risk of developing lung cancer?

What are some of the harmful cancer-causing substances present in tobacco?

Tobacco-specific nitrosamines: These chemicals are formed during the curing and processing of tobacco, and they are potent carcinogens.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs): PAHs are formed when organic material, like tobacco, is burned. They can damage DNA and are linked to several types of cancer.
Benzene: This chemical is found in tobacco smoke and is known to cause leukemia, a type of blood cancer.
Formaldehyde: A substance used in embalming, formaldehyde is present in tobacco smoke and can damage DNA and cause cancer.

How can you prevent smoking-related lung cancer?

What resources and methods can someone avail to give up smoking permanently?

Finding the right approach for smoking cessation is crucial for long-term success. There are several methods available to help individuals quit smoking and overcome nicotine addiction. These include:

Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT): NRT involves using products like nicotine patches, gums, lozenges, inhalers, and nasal sprays. These products provide controlled doses of nicotine to ease withdrawal symptoms and cravings while gradually reducing dependence.
Behavioral therapy: Behavioral counseling and support from trained professionals can be effective in helping smokers change their behavior and cope with triggers and cravings associated with smoking.
Telephonic and online quitlines: Quitlines are toll-free helplines that provide counseling and support to individuals seeking to quit smoking. They offer personalized advice and guidance to develop a quit plan.

Toll-free national quitline: 1800 112 356 (8 am-8 pm, counseling in English and Hindi)
mCessation programme: leave a missed call on 011-22901701
Mobile apps and online resources: There are various mobile apps and websites that offer quitting support, including tracking progress, setting goals, providing tips, and connecting with a community of others trying to quit.

Mobile apps for quitting smoking:
1. EasyQuit
2. Smoke Free
3. Kwit
4. QuitSure
5. Quit Now
Support groups: Joining support groups or quit-smoking programs can offer social support, encouragement, and a sense of community to those attempting to quit smoking.
Prescription medications: Some medications, such as bupropion and varenicline, can be prescribed by healthcare professionals to help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms during the quitting process.
Mindfulness and meditation: Mindfulness practices and meditation techniques can help manage stress and reduce the urge to smoke.
Healthcare provider support: Seeking guidance from healthcare providers, such as doctors or counselors, can provide personalized advice and medical assistance in quitting.

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