In industrialised countries, including Hungary, smoking is responsible for about a third of cancer deaths. One third of cancer deaths could therefore be prevented simply by eliminating smoking.
The harmful effects of smoking are much greater than previously thought. Smoking is an important and leading cause of more than 20 diseases and of death from these diseases. Between 25-30% of cardiovascular disease, 75% of deaths from chronic bronchitis and emphysema, and around 90% of lung cancer deaths can be directly attributed to smoking!
Many people classically attribute lung cancer as a possible outcome of smoking, which is of course true, as there is a 40-fold increased risk of lung cancer among people who constantly damage their respiratory system.
However, in addition to lung cancer, toxins in the body increase the risk of head and neck cancers (oral cancer, pharyngeal cancer, laryngeal cancer), as well as stomach cancer and bladder cancer, since harmful substances are carried throughout the body by the bloodstream - and we are only talking about cancer.
Quitting is not easy, as any smoker or cigarette smoker and/or their loved one(s) will have experienced. Even if someone is determined to quit, they often only manage to stay away from cigarettes for a while. Nervousness, loneliness or companionship, grief or joy, anything can be a reason to start again, which classically begins with the statement "just one puff".
The situation is far from hopeless, however. In Hungary today, there are options ranging from self-help groups to medication to help someone strengthen their resolve and follow through.
As an incentive, some of the more important positive effects on the body (after giving up cigarettes!) are summarised below in chronological order:
After 20 minutes:
Your blood pressure and heart rate normalise, your hands and feet warm up as the circulation in your extremities improves.
After 8 hours:
Blood nicotine and carbon monoxide levels halve, oxygen levels normalise. The risk of heart attack begins to decrease.
After 24 hours:
Lungs begin to clear, taste and smell improve significantly.
After 72 hours:
Breathing becomes easier, airways begin to clear. The body's energy levels increase.
After 3 months:
Coughing, wheezing and breathing difficulties are reduced or completely eliminated, lung capacity is significantly improved. Gum disease is significantly reduced.
After 1 year:
The risk of heart attack is reduced by about half compared to smokers.
After 10 years:
The risk of lung cancer for smokers will be halved to half that of people who have never smoked. The risk of osteoporosis is also reduced.
After 15 years:
There is no longer any difference between a smoker who quits and a non-smoker in terms of health risks and premature death.
A site to support and help people to quit is available at https://www.icanquit.com.au/
