Risk Factor 4: The Smoking Menace
We all have heard the phrase, “Smoking Kills.” The emphasis, most often, has been on lung diseases. But the terrifying specter of smoking stretches its shadow far beyond just the lungs. One such area that suffers due to this habit is the stomach. The risk of developing gastric cancer significantly escalates with smoking, yet it remains a lesser-known fact. The act of inhaling and ingesting over 7,000 chemicals, with at least 70 known to cause cancer, directly assaults not just the respiratory system but the entire body.
Smoking’s effects aren’t restricted to the lungs. Each puff sends a toxic mix coursing through the bloodstream. This toxic cocktail includes carcinogens like benzene, polonium-210, benzo(a)pyrene, and nitrosamines. As these chemicals travel, they reach different organs, including the stomach. Here, they can cause mutations in the stomach lining cells. Over time, the repetitive introduction of these toxins can lead to a higher likelihood of cellular abnormalities, culminating in cancerous growths.
Every cloud has a silver lining, and in the gloomy cloud of smoking, it’s the possibility of quitting. It’s never too late to quit. Studies have consistently shown that the risk of developing gastric cancer drops significantly after stopping smoking. The body starts repairing the damage almost immediately. Even for those who’ve been long-term smokers, the benefits of quitting are palpable. Within a decade of quitting, the risk of cancer drops drastically, bringing hope to many.
Smoking and its association with stomach cancer might not be the first thing people think of, but the link is undeniable. While the journey to quit can be daunting, it’s a path worth traveling. For every cigarette not smoked, the body thanks you by repairing and rejuvenating, reducing the risks of diseases and ushering in a healthier tomorrow. (4)
