Smoking combustible cigarettes is widely recognized as one of the leading causes of various types of cancer, including lung throat, and bladder cancer. In particular, the association between smoking and bladder cancer has been extensively studied, revealing alarming statistics and compelling reasons to quit smoking now.
The statistics speak volumes
There have been a multitude of studies showing a clear correlation between smoking combustible cigarettes and the risk of developing bladder cancer. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), smokers are 50% more likely to develop bladder cancer compared to non-smokers. This risk increases with the number of cigarettes smoked per day and the duration of smoking.
How does smoking affect bladder health?
The chemicals in tobacco smoke enter the bloodstream and are filtered by the kidneys into the urine. This exposes the lining of the bladder to harmful substances such as carcinogens, which can damage the cells and increase the likelihood of cancerous growth. The longer one smokes, the greater the cumulative damage to the bladder tissues, raising the risk of developing bladder cancer.
Scientific studies highlighting the risks
Research published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute has shown that smoking cessation can significantly reduce the risk of bladder cancer. Alongside the above mention of the NIH study, former smokers have a lower risk of bladder cancer compared to current smokers, which adds to the benefits when you quit smoking now.
The urgency of quitting smoking now
For current smokers, quitting smoking now is crucial for reducing the risk of bladder cancer. The body has an amazing ability to heal itself when tobacco exposure stops. Within weeks to months of quitting smoking, the body begins to repair damaged cells and tissues, which lowers your risk of cancer.
Support and resources to quit smoking now
While quitting smoking is challenging, there are numerous resources out there to help you succeed. Counseling, support groups, nicotine replacement therapies (e-cigs, nicotine gum, etc.), and prescription medications are effective tools that can increase the chances of success. It’s never too late to quit, and every day without smoking decreases the risk of developing bladder cancer.
Aside from quitting smoking, how do you plan to reclaim your health throughout this transition? Drop a comment below to share your opinion.
