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The Link Between Smoking and Lung Cancer: Quitting Tips, Resources, and Health
There is a firmly established link between smoking and lung cancer, a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. While the primary way to reduce the risk of lung cancer is to quit smoking — and for those who are already smokers, to immediately take steps towards quitting — there is help available to support those who are looking to make a positive change in their health and wellness.
The Smoking-Lung Cancer Connection
It’s not just cigarettes — all smoking forms, including cigars and pipe tobacco, contain a large level of carcinogens that can cause cancer. According to the Centers for Disease Control, smoking cigarettes is the cause of 80% to 90% of all lung cancer diagnoses. People who smoke heavily, or those who have smoked for a long period of time, are thus much more at risk of developing lung cancer.
Resources To Quit Smoking
Given the link between smoking and lung cancer, the best way to reduce the risk of lung cancer is to quit smoking and not look back. While it can be difficult to quit, those looking for an effective method to quit smoking have several options, including:
– Nicotine Replacement Therapy: Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is a method of administering low doses of nicotine to the body in an effort to reduce the cravings for cigarettes, and thus reduce the likelihood of smoking again. NRT comes in several forms, including patches and gums, and is an effective way to help quit smoking.
– Quitlines: Quitlines provide trained counselors who can offer additional support and guidance to those looking to quit smoking.
– In-person Counseling Programs: In-person counseling programs offer the most individualized approach to quitting smoking and are often specially tailored to meet an individual’s lifestyle and needs.
– Online Programs: For those who are more uncomfortable with in-person counseling, online programs are an easy-to-access and effective way to get support and advice in quitting.
Positive Health Benefits Of Quitting Smoking
The lung-cancer reducing benefits of quitting smoking are just one piece of the puzzle. Studies have shown that those who quit smoking can experience a number of additional, highly beneficial health outcomes, including:
– Lower risk of developing other types of cancer
– Reduced risk of stroke
– Lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels
– Reduced probability of developing COPD and other respiratory diseases
– Improved cardiovascular health
Conclusion
Smoking is a dangerous, and often deadly, habit. The link between smoking and lung cancer has been proven, and it is never too late to take steps to reduce the chance of developing this deadly disease. Thankfully, there are many resources and tools to help quit smoking, and the positive health benefits of quitting can help improve overall well-being.