Yesterday was World Lung Cancer Day (August 1), which is best reserved for commemoration and preventive education about the world’s deadliest type of cancer. While it’s also a day where patients, physicians, and cancer organizations celebrate breakthroughs, this respiratory illness continues to damper the lives of people globally, especially those who choose to heavily smoke combustible cigarettes. So, aside from highlighting the health benefits of vaping in this week’s blog, we also wanted to focus on the lung cancer risks that come from traditional smoking.
A quick rundown of lung cancer
Last year the World Health Organization reported 2.21 million new cases of lung cancer worldwide, the highest mortality rate of any type of cancer. There are two main types of lung cancer: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which makes up 80% to 85% of cases, and small cell lung cancer (SCLC), which makes up 10% to 15% of cases and tends to spread more rapidly.
What are some symptoms of lung cancer?
One of the most unfortunate parts about lung cancer is that hosts don’t usually develop symptoms until cancer has spread. Some common symptoms include:
- Cough that lingers and worsens over time
- Coughing up blood
- Chest pain that worsens with deep breathing or laughing
- Hoarseness
- Loss of appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
- Shortness of breath
- Feeling tired or weak
- Infections that don’t go away
How does combustible cigarette smoking present a heightened risk factor?
Data shows that smoking is the number one modifiable risk factor associated with developing lung cancer, as it’s believed to be linked to 80% of lung cancer-related deaths. Even for those who don’t smoke, exposure to the combustible cigarette smoke of others can also increase their risk of developing this type of cancer. While things like air pollution and family history are some non-modifiable risk factors, the best solution is to avoid the inhalation of carcinogen compounds.
Why do the health benefits of vaping greatly overcome a user’s desire to smoke, you ask?
- E-cigs don’t contain tobacco or any of the carcinogenic ingredients found in combustible cigarettes
- E-cigs don’t combust
- E-cigs are sold in varied nicotine strengths, allowing the user to lower their amount over time
For more health benefits of vaping, read out weekly blog submissions.
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