The harmful effects of tobacco use are well documented and widespread, affecting multiple organ systems and increasing the risk of various diseases. Tobacco use is a major risk factor for various types of cancer. It is estimated that tobacco use is responsible for about one-third of all cancer deaths in Western countries. Chemicals in tobacco smoke can damage DNA and other genetic material in our cells, which can lead to the development of cancer.
Cigarettes, cigars, pipes and smokeless tobacco products all contain harmful substances, including nicotine, tar and various carcinogens. When tobacco is burned and inhaled, these substances enter the lungs and are absorbed into the bloodstream, affecting various organs and tissues throughout the body.
Dr. Meenu Walia, Senior Director, Medical Oncology, Max Hospital, Patparganj explains how tobacco causes cancer and other risks associated with tobacco consumption.
World No Tobacco Day: How can tobacco cause cancer?
Dr Walia explains, cigarette, cigar and pipe smoke contain at least 70 chemicals that can cause cancer. PAHs, N-nitrosamines, aromatic amines, 1,3-butadiene, benzene, aldehydes, and ethylene oxide are probably the most important carcinogens because of their carcinogenic potential and levels in cigarette smoke.
Every time you breathe in that smoke, those chemicals get into your bloodstream, which carries the chemicals to all parts of your body, she adds. Many of these chemicals can damage your DNA, which controls how your body makes new cells and directs each type of cell to do what it’s designed to do. When DNA is damaged, a cell can grow out of control and form a cancerous tumor. The poison in cigarette smoke can weaken the body’s immune system, making it harder to kill cancer cells.
World No Tobacco Day: Types of cancer caused by tobacco
Dr Walia explains that tobacco is commonly associated with lung cancer. It’s true that smoking causes about nine out of every 10 cases of lung cancer, but tobacco use can cause cancer almost anywhere in your body. Tobacco use causes many types of cancer, including cancers of the larynx (voice box), mouth, esophagus, throat, bladder, kidney, liver, stomach, pancreas, colon and rectum, and cervix, as well as acute myeloid Including leukemia.
“People who use smokeless tobacco (sniffing or chewing tobacco) have an increased risk of cancer of the mouth, esophagus, and pancreas. Oral cancer and esophageal cancer are also strongly associated with active smoking, especially than with the use of alcohol,” Dr Walia said.
World No Tobacco Day: Risks Involved in Tobacco Consumption
“Tobacco can be consumed in various forms like smoking, chewing or snuff. Smoking tobacco in the form of cigarette, bidi, cigar or hookah can not only cause cancer, but also many other diseases such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It increases the risk of heart disease, which can lead to stroke or heart attack,” said Dr Walia.
“Smoking has also been linked to tuberculosis, some eye diseases and immune system problems, including rheumatoid arthritis and pneumonia. Use of smokeless tobacco can cause gum disease, tooth decay, tooth loss and white or gray plaque inside the mouth. Pigmented spots can form called leukoplakia which can lead to oral cancer. Use of smokeless tobacco during pregnancy increases the risk of preterm labor and stillbirth,” said Dr Walia.