How Tobacco Causes Cancer?
August 1, 2023 | by Yashaswi Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's
Tobacco use, whether through smoking cigarettes, cigars, or using smokeless tobacco products, is a major cause of cancer. Tobacco contains numerous harmful chemicals, including carcinogens (cancer-causing substances), which can directly damage cells and increase the risk of developing cancer. Here’s how tobacco causes cancer:
- Carcinogens in Tobacco Products: Tobacco smoke and tobacco products contain a wide range of carcinogens, such as benzene, formaldehyde, nitrosamines, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). When these carcinogens are inhaled or come into contact with the cells in the mouth, throat, lungs, or other organs, they can cause DNA damage.
- DNA Damage: Carcinogens in tobacco products can interact with the DNA in cells, leading to changes or mutations in the genetic material. These DNA mutations can disrupt normal cellular functions, leading to uncontrolled cell growth and division.
- Tumor Formation: As the damaged cells continue to divide uncontrollably, they can form a tumor. Over time, these tumors can grow larger and invade nearby tissues, leading to the spread of cancer (metastasis) to other parts of the body.
- Inflammation and Immune Suppression: Smoking and tobacco use can trigger chronic inflammation in the body. Inflammation is part of the body’s natural defense mechanism against harmful substances, but chronic inflammation can damage cells and increase the risk of cancer. Moreover, tobacco use can suppress the immune system, making it less effective at identifying and destroying cancer cells.
- Direct Damage to Organs: Smoking tobacco delivers harmful chemicals directly to the lungs and other organs. The lungs, in particular, are exposed to high concentrations of carcinogens when inhaling tobacco smoke, leading to a higher risk of lung cancer and other respiratory-related cancers.
- Secondhand Smoke: In addition to causing cancer in smokers, tobacco use also poses a risk to non-smokers through secondhand smoke exposure. Inhaling secondhand smoke increases the risk of developing lung cancer and other smoking-related diseases in non-smokers.
The link between tobacco use and cancer is well-established and supported by extensive research. Quitting tobacco use is the most effective way to reduce the risk of developing tobacco-related cancers and other serious health conditions. If you smoke or use tobacco products, seeking help to quit can significantly improve your health and well-being. Quitting may be challenging, but there are various resources and support available to help individuals quit and live a healthier life.