What are 10 Diseases Caused by Smoking?
August 1, 2023 | by Yashaswi Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's
Smoking is a major risk factor for various diseases, many of which can be life-threatening. Here are ten diseases that are strongly linked to smoking:
- Lung Cancer: Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer. It is estimated that about 80% of all lung cancer cases are directly related to smoking.
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Smoking is the primary cause of COPD, a progressive and debilitating lung disease that includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
- Heart Disease: Smoking increases the risk of heart disease, including coronary artery disease, heart attacks, and stroke, due to the harmful effects on blood vessels and the cardiovascular system.
- Cancers of the Upper Respiratory Tract: Smoking is linked to cancers of the mouth, throat, larynx (voice box), esophagus, and trachea.
- Bladder Cancer: Smoking is a significant risk factor for bladder cancer, as the harmful substances in tobacco are excreted in the urine and can damage the bladder lining.
- Pancreatic Cancer: Smoking is associated with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer, a particularly aggressive form of cancer with poor survival rates.
- Stomach Cancer: Smoking has been linked to an elevated risk of stomach (gastric) cancer.
- Cervical Cancer: Smoking increases the risk of cervical cancer, especially in women with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, which is a common risk factor for cervical cancer.
- Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): Smoking can lead to PAD, a condition in which narrowed blood vessels reduce blood flow to the limbs, often causing pain and increasing the risk of infections and tissue damage.
- Type 2 Diabetes: Smoking is associated with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and can worsen the health outcomes for individuals with diabetes.
These are just a few examples of the diseases caused or strongly linked to smoking. Tobacco use affects nearly every organ of the body and is a leading preventable cause of death worldwide. Quitting smoking is one of the most significant steps individuals can take to improve their health and reduce the risk of developing these serious diseases. If you are a smoker, seeking support and resources to quit can greatly benefit your health and well-being.