Want to live longer? That’s more doable today than at any other time in history. According to the World Health Organization, people can now comfortably expect to live to their sixties and beyond. That’s mostly thanks to countless medical advancements that can address various illnesses we can get as we age.
However, the science isn’t perfect yet. Medicine is still improving its knowledge of multiple diseases—the foremost one being cancer. Our post notes that, contrary to popular belief, cancer is no longer an aging-related condition. Today, rising rates are seeing people under 50 years old getting diagnoses, especially for cancers of the gastrointestinal tract. Researchers believe certain elements present in modern society—the same society where advanced medicine can increase your lifespan—are responsible. That includes if you were born via C-section or how much you watched TV as a kid.
There’s one other factor you need to take into consideration: smoking. No matter your age, cigarette use will increase your chances of getting cancer. By quitting smoking, you can prevent it from taking away the longer lifespan you can enjoy today. Here’s what you need to know.
Smoking and cancer
There are more than 100 different types of cancer, and smoking doesn’t just cause the kind that affects the lungs. Frequent cigarette use increases your risk of developing over 12 types of the disease, including cancer of the blood (leukemia), bladder, liver, stomach, pancreas, and cervix.
That’s because cigarettes contain over 70 cancer-causing substances called carcinogens. This study explains that ingredients like formaldehyde, arsenic, and inorganic lead can all damage your DNA, making it more likely for your body to experience the genetic mutations atypical cell growth that cause cancer. The more you smoke, the higher your risk of getting a diagnosis—making it vital to quit smoking as soon as possible.
How to quit smoking and prevent cancer
Quit gradually
If you’re keen to avoid cancer and want to stop smoking immediately, you might want to quit cold turkey. Though doing so may work, the Truth Initiative finds that this method only works for 3 to 5 out of every 100 smokers who want to quit. You may thus want to quit gradually instead. Switch to smokeless, tobacco-free nicotine products that don’t contain the carcinogens present in cigarettes, then lower your consumption of those products over time.
The nicotine pouch is a good option for this. Here on its homepage, Prilla showcases these small packets of tobacco-free nicotine from brands like Rogue and Lucy. These offer pouches in different strengths, from as little as 2mg to as much as 12mg, which can be helpful for gradual quitting strategies. They’re also accessible: you can find them online for as low as $4 a can—compared to the $8 you usually need to get a pack of cigarettes in the US. Another accessible option is the nicotine patch, which you can find at major drugstores like Walgreens. This feature notes it’s designed to gradually release nicotine over the day, which can similarly help you manage withdrawal symptoms to quit gradually. However, they’re a bit pricier at $20 or higher per box.
Seek professional advice
If you find quitting smoking challenging, regardless of whether you’re doing so gradually or cold turkey, consulting an expert is the next best step. Try cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for an evidence-based approach you can tailor to your needs. In every CBT session, you’ll talk with a licensed health professional to determine your smoking triggers, why you choose to address those triggers with smoking, and any healthier behaviors you can adopt to eliminate the need for cigarettes.
For example, you may learn that you mostly smoke when stressed. From here, your therapist will suggest more constructive coping mechanisms you can try to deal with stress until you find one that sticks. It’s a great way to empower yourself and gain a sense of control over the quitting process, which can motivate you to keep going until you kick the habit entirely.
Try prescription cessation medications
If you’re an especially heavy smoker, you may want or need extra assistance to quit. In that case, you can talk with your doctor about using prescription medications. You’ll usually take these a couple of months before you start the quitting process.
Of the medicines available, varenicline is considered the best in the game. A briefer on this drug explains that it works by preventing cigarette chemicals from binding to brain receptors. As a result, you get less enjoyment from smoking—and ultimately become less motivated to pick up another stick over time. Now that the FDA has approved it as a generic medication, varenicline is also extremely accessible. All you need to do is consult your doctor to check if you can take it and get the best dosage instructions for your needs.
The rates of cancer in young people are rising, making leading a healthier lifestyle more of a priority. If quitting smoking is a necessary step you need to take, try the tips above to lower your risk of getting a diagnosis.
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