Behavior Health and Wellness Blog

Health Effects of Cigarettes: Cancer

Cancer is a group of diseases where cells grow uncontrollably, invading other parts of your body. These rogue cells can spread through your blood and lymph systems, which normally help clear toxins. There are over 100 types of cancer, each named after where it starts. For instance, lung cancer begins in the lungs, and laryngeal cancer starts in the voice box. Understanding the risks of smoking is crucial, as it significantly increases your chances of developing these cancers. Take a moment to learn more about how smoking can impact your health. Your future self will thank you.

Listed by CDC here are some facts about smoking

AT A GLANCE

  • Cigarette smoke contains more than 7,000 chemicals. At least 69 of these chemicals can cause cancer.
  • Smoking can cause cancer almost anywhere in the body.
  • Quitting smoking lowers the risk for 12 different cancers and also benefits people diagnosed with cancer.

Did you know that every puff of a cigarette exposes you to over 7,000 chemicals? At least 69 of these are known to cause cancer. But that’s not all – other chemicals in cigarette smoke can mess with your body’s natural defenses against cancer.

Here’s how smoking impacts your health:

  • Weakens Your Immune System: Smoking makes it harder for your body to kill cancer cells, allowing them to grow and spread more easily.
  • Damages Your DNA: When smoking damages your DNA, cells can start growing uncontrollably, leading to cancerous tumors.

Cigarette smoking is responsible for approximately one in every three cancer deaths in the United States. Smoking can cause cancer in nearly every part of your body, including:

Bladder
Blood (acute myeloid leukemia)
Cervix
Colon and rectum
Esophagus
Kidney and renal pelvis
Larynx (voice box)
Liver
Lung, bronchus, and trachea
Mouth and throat
Pancreas
Stomach

Smoking is a major cause of cancer, responsible for about one in every three cancer deaths in the United States. It can lead to cancer in numerous parts of the body, including the bladder, lungs, liver, and throat. By smoking, you’re exposing yourself to thousands of harmful chemicals that can damage your immune system and DNA. Take a moment to consider your health and the serious risks associated with smoking. It’s never too late to make a change for the better.

The Minnesota tobacco flavor ban is a vital measure to safeguard our youth and communities, keeping flavored tobacco products out of their hands and protecting their health.

Reference: https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/about/cigarettes-and-cancer.html

Share:

More Posts

Youth Violence

Youth violence is a serious issue affecting young people aged 10 to 24, often manifesting

Post Categories

Cultural Healings

Overall Wellness