World Cancer Day: How Smoking Causes Cancer and How To Reverse Its Effects

On February 4 every year, World Cancer Day is commemorated to raise awareness on Cancer. It is an initiative under which the entire world comes together for the prevention, detection, treatment, and right education & information of Cancer. The aim is to also pressure the government bodies, organisations, and institutions to take action. 

Smoking is one of the biggest reasons for deaths from cancer. Harmful chemicals in cigarettes don’t only affect the lungs but also the entire body. In studies, it is found that smoking can cause at least 15 different cancer types. Though there are several anti-smoking ads through which the government is trying to create awareness, yet we have a long way to go. Let’s understand how smoking causes cancer. 

How Smoking Causes Cancer

Listed below are the ways in which smoking leads to cancer:

1. Harmful Chemicals 

Did you know that smoking cigarettes can release more than 5,000 different types of chemicals? All these chemicals are quite harmful as they enter the lungs. Not only the lungs, these chemicals can affect your entire body negatively. These chemicals are potent enough to damage the DNA that is helpful to protect you against cancer. Also, they make the DNA damage repair very tough. This DNA damage can then cause cancer in cells. 

2. Different Types of Cancer 

Smoking can lead to 15 different types of cancer to the body – nose, mouth, throat, larynx, oesophagus, lung, liver, stomach, kidney, pancreas, bowel, ovary, bladder, cervix, and leukaemia. Even light, social, and occasional smoking also leads to cancer. 

1 to 10 cigarettes a day can increase the risk of these cancer types – there is no safer level when it comes to smoking. So, the best thing to do is quit smoking completely. 

How to Reverse Smoking Effects 

On this World Cancer Day, take a pledge to quit smoking habits if you are thinking of reversing its effects. Here are some steps you must follow.

1. Breathing Exercises 

Stay active throughout the day by doing exercises which involve deep breathing. It is important to improve the health of your lungs. Breathing exercises work wonders for that matter. 

2. Green Coffee or Tea 

Take a beverage that has antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. This will help you prevent lung issues. Beverages like green coffee, herbal tea, spice tea, etc. always work wonders. Turmeric with warm water can also be a great option. 

3. Fruits and Vegetables 

Blueberries, kale, olives, almonds, spinach, organe, indian gooseberries, and others are some fruits and vegetables which consist of antioxidants in large amounts. These can be proved awesome for purifying lungs. 

Conclusion

The evolution of smoking culture is marketed as a cool culture. The companies didn’t hesitate to market it to minors as well. World Cancer Day is against all these notions and urges all of us to spread the right information regarding the health hazards of smoking. Before the thought of taking one or two puffs comes to your mind, think of all these aforementioned health hazards of smoking.