Smoking is still the leading cause of death in the United States mostly due to its cancer causing effects and cardiovascular disease. Tobacco accounts for 1 in 5 cancer deaths in the world. Lung cancer, specifically bronchogenic carcinoma, is the leading cause of cancer death among men and women in the United States, with tobacco accounting for 87% of lung cancer. Tobacco use is associated with at least 15 types of cancer, including acute leukemia, stomach cancer, cervical cancer and pancreatic cancer. As mentioned tobacco use kills people because it is a major cause of heart disease, but also due to chronic bronchitis, cerebrovascular disease, emphysema and gastric ulcers.
In early July 2006, public health officials announced at the International Union Against Cancer conference in Washington, D.C. that tobacco will kill one billion people in this century, a staggering toll which is ten times that of the last century. Officials stated changes in diet (fewer saturated fats and more fruits and vegetables) and quitting smoking could cut death rates dramatically. Dr. Judith Mackay, a World Health Organization senior policy adviser said, "We know with cancer, if we take action now, we can save two million lives a year by 2020 and 6.5 million by 2040."
Quitting smoking at any age lengthens lifespan. According to the American Cancer Society, the most effective strategies to quit smoking include:
1. Behavioral therapy and counseling
2. Advice from a physician
3. Group therapy
4. Nicotine replacement therapy
5. Non-nicotine prescription medications
Posted by Dr. Jennifer Stagg on September 17, 2006 08:17 AM
