Smoking and the Types of Cancer it Causes

Smoking has always been considered by many people and health experts as one of the silent killers. One's inability to manage his smoking habits could lead to a deadly vice - chain smoking. Statistics have shown that thousands of smokers worldwide are afflicted with serious illnesses brought upon by smoking. Cigarettes contain chemicals that are harmful not just to the lungs but to almost all organs of the human body. Some people have taken for granted the direct relation of smoking to cancer. They belittle the ill effects of too much smoking and, instead, sicken themselves with nicotine and carcinogens with every stick they smoke.

The most notable illness a person can get from smoking is cancer, in which lung cancer is familiar to many. The following paragraphs list and discuss the various types of cancer related to smoking. May these discussions enlighten smokers and spur them to quit smoking, the sooner the better.

Lung Cancer. One of the many types of cancer that have ever increasing rates of affliction per day worldwide, lung cancer is characterized by the damage of lungs due to the existence of deadly cancer cells. Accordingly, 90% of lung cancer cases were triggered by smoking, particularly cigarettes. The carcinogens in the cigarettes lead to the growth of cancer cells in the lungs.

Pancreatic Cancer. A person who smokes heavily has a 1:74 risk ratio of developing malignant cells in the pancreas. Those afflicted with pancreatic cancer have a 3-year survival rate.

Laryngeal Cancer. Also known as cancer of the larynx, laryngeal cancer is the formation of squamous cell carcinomas which makes the larynx cancer positive. Such cancer is characterized with persistent cough, hoarse voice, bad breath and sore throat. Victims of laryngeal cancer are mostly heavy smokers, though there are those who are heavy alcohol drinkers. Carcinogens in cigarettes and tobacco adversely affect the larynx.

Esophageal Cancer. This type of cancer is characterized by the presence of malignant tumor in the esophagus. Its other symptoms are difficulty in breathing, unexplained nausea, consistent cough and hoarseness of voice. Together with heavy alcoholic intake, smoking is considered as one of the major causes for esophageal cancer. Combining both alcohol and cigarettes increases the risk of such cancer.

The above mentioned types of cancer are just few of the many illnesses caused by smoking. Bronchitis, skin diseases, stomach pains, and hypertensions are also related to smoking. These facts reflect how deadly smoking is. Primary smokers are not the only ones who can get these diseases. Passive smokers are also susceptible to these illnesses since they also inhale the cigarette smoke. The sad fact is that passive smokers are victims of primary smokers.

One should realize that smoking is not good. It can kill you and those around you. Quitting smoking is not an easy thing to do, but if one has the determination and discipline to quit, it can be done. It takes a long process, but it can be done. The day to start quitting is now, because tomorrow may be too late.

Dr. Ivan Wilson is a neurologist and had been working with Pan American Health Organization for 7 years.He pours down his thoughts on to his website; Log on for the latest feeds now; Smoking Leads to Cancer [http://www.whytostopsmoking.com/smoking_leads_cancer.html]

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