The association between tobacco smoking and cancer has been consistently shown in numerous studies.
* What types of cancer are attributable to smoking?
The link between tobacco and lung cancer has been firmly established for sometime now. Tobacco is also a contributing factor to the development of oesophageal, bladder and prostate cancer.
Cancers of the mouth, nose, throat, larynx, pancreas, cervix, blood (leukaemia) and kidney are all more common in smokers.
* Why is tobacco associated with the development of cancer?
Cigarette smoke contains over 4000 chemicals, including over 50 known carcinogens (causes of cancer) and other poisons. These deposit in the lungs and can get into blood vessels and then be carried to other parts of the body.
* Is there a risk of developing cancer if you are exposed to other people smoking?
Yes. Non-smokers have an increased risk of developing lung cancer if exposed to other people smoking for long periods of time.
* Is the risk in developing cancer affected by amount of tobacco smoked?
Yes. It has been shown that there is a dose response relationship between smoking and lung cancer, both on duration and the amount of cigarettes smoked. This means that the risk of developing cancer is higher the more you smoke and the longer you have smoked.
* So is it too late to stop smoking if you have been smoking for a long time?
It is NEVER too late to stop smoking. If you stop smoking in middle age, before having cancer or some other serious disease, you avoid most of the increased risk of death due to smoking.
* Will I reduce my risk of developing cancer by stopping smoking?
Of course. The good news is that stopping smoking will result in a continual decline in the risk. However the sooner you stop, the greater reduction in your risk.
* Why is it so difficult to stop smoking?
For various reasons depending on the individuals but it is a well known fact that cigarette smoke contains nicotine which is a drug that stimulates the brain. For a regular smoker when the blood level of nicotine falls, withdrawal symptoms will be experienced such as craving, anxiety, restlessness, headaches, irritability, hunger, difficulty concentrating, or just feeling awful. The next cigarette will bring back a feeling of ‘normality’ when the withdrawals symptoms are relieved. Please remember help is available if you want to stop smoking but are finding it difficult.
* What are the benefits of stopping smoking?
The benefits begin immediately. After seventy two hours breathing becomes easier and energy levels increase. After a month skin appearance improves. Between three to nine months lung function increases by up to ten percent. At one year, risk of a heart attack falls to about half that of a smoker. After ten years, risk of lung cancer falls to about half that of a smoker. After fifteen years, risk of heart attack falls to the same level as someone who has never smoked.
Other benefits include less frequent chest infections and colds, better smell from clothes and breath, better taste of food and drink, and of course finances improve.
* How can I stop smoking?
Some people can give up easily. Willpower and determination are the most important aspects when giving up smoking. However, nicotine is a drug of addiction and many people find giving up a struggle. There is help available. You can find leaflets which provide information, encouragement and tips on stopping smoking at your area clinic. Various medicines are now available to increase your chance of success at quitting from special clinics called Smoking Cessation Clinic (Kelinik Berhenti Merokok).
* What is a Smoking Cessation Clinic (Kelinik Berhenti Merokok) ?
This is a clinic dedicated especially to help smokers quit smoking. It is manned by a dedicated Doctor and nursing staff team. Counselling and also various medicines are available via prescription. These clinics have a good success rate at helping smokers quit.
* So where are these Smoking Cessation Clinics situated?
These Clinics are in Berakas A Health Centre, Jubli Perak Sengkurong Health Centre, Seria Health Department and Tutong Health Centre.
* What do I have to do to access the smoking cessation clinic?
You can find more information about these special clinics from your respective area health centre. You are well advised to choose the one easiest to access as you will need to have regular follow-up once you have embarked on a stop smoking programme. You can either phone in or walk in to make an appointment.
* What if I fail to stop?
You must not lose heart. Keep trying. It is not uncommon for ex-smokers to relapse. But one thing you must not do is to quit trying. Remember every cigarette will increase your risk of smoking related diseases and death.
* How many attempts will it take to quit?
95% of people who attempt to quit smoking without any help were unsuccessful. The average smoker takes about 5 to 7 attempts to quit before putting out the cigarette for good. So even if at first you don’t succeed, learn from your previous attempts, then try and try again.
* What do I do to increase my chances to quit successfully?
Studies have shown that quitting with medication and support from health professionals as well as loved ones will significantly increase your chances of quitting successfully. Once you have put out your last cigarette for good there is a continuous decline in your risk of developing cancer. - Ministry of Health Public Awareness Programme
By Dr Zurianah Hj Abd Karim
Senior Medical Officer
Berakas A Health Centre
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