Cancer, tuberculosis, impotence and respiratory diseases are health risks of smoking

Diabetes, hypertension, respiratory diseases, cancer, impotence and infertility. These are just a few of the many health problems associated with smoking. This Wednesday (31), the World No Tobacco Day promotes awareness of the importance of quitting smoking.

Each year, around 8 million people lose their lives as a result of tobacco-related complications, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

According to the National Cancer Institute (Inca), tobacco is the cause of most lung cancers in the country, in addition to representing a significant risk factor for stroke and heart attacks.

Smokeless tobacco products are also associated with the development of cancers of the head, neck, esophagus and pancreas, and other diseases that affect the mouth and teeth.

“Cigarettes make the lungs 20 years older than the rest of the body. In addition to aging, cigarette smoking causes various lung diseases, such as pulmonary emphysema. Another important point is that 95% of cases of lung cancer are linked to smoking,” warns cardiologist Roberto Kalil, host of CNN Sinais Vitais (see below ).

“In addition to lung involvement, cigarettes also increase the incidence of throat cancer and bladder cancer, not to mention cardiovascular diseases: it increases the incidence of heart attacks and strokes”, adds Kalil.

The impacts are also significant for passive smokers, those people who do not smoke, but who live with people who use tobacco. In addition to the development of diseases, more than 1.2 million individuals die each year as a result of secondhand smoke, according to the WHO.

Challenges to quit smoking

While the benefits of quitting smoking are virtually immediate, stopping smoking is a difficult process that can include relapses. Part of smokers only achieve success after more than one attempt, which experts point out as something normal.

“To be considered an ex-smoker, a person needs to go more than 52 weeks without lighting up. Do not look for substitutes such as electronic cigarettes. They are just as bad for your health as conventional cigarettes. If you can’t stop smoking on your own, seek help,” says Kalil.

The Ministry of Health points out that the fight against smoking comes up against the fact that cigarettes are a legal drug, with social acceptance, easy access and relatively cheap. In Brazil, treatment is offered by the Unified Health System (SUS), including methods such as medication in the form of patches, lozenges and chewing gum, and bupropion. The service is available in basic health units.

#Shorts – Know the main health risks of smoking