Smoking is a leading cause of lung cancer, including cancers of the bladder, kidney, esophagus, larynx, liver, oral cavity, cervix, colon, rectum, pancreas, stomach, etc. So, if you smoke, your chance of being diagnosed with lung cancer is high. As per studies, cigarette smoking accounts for about 80-90% of all lung cancers.
Reports also show adults with no history of smoking can get lung cancer because of their exposure to secondhand smoke. And the risk here is 20-30%. Consult a leading cancer doctor for lung cancer treatment in Siliguri.
There is no safe amount of cigarette smoking that can reduce your risk of lung cancer and other diseases. But active smoking for years can speed up the risk of getting cancer. Tobacco smoking not only increases health risks but also interferes with treatment outcomes.
Therefore, quitting smoking even after a lung cancer diagnosis will benefit you. Let’s understand the Importance:
- Improving lung cancer treatment Outcomes. Quitting cigarette smoking can enhance the effectiveness of lung cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapy, and surgery.
- Reducing complications. Smokers have a higher risk of complications during and after tumor surgery for lung cancer.
- Better healing. Soon after you quit smoking, your body starts healing immediately, contributing to your overall recovery.
What are the Long-Term Benefits?
When you quit smoking, you reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease, inflammation, hormonal issues, respiratory diseases, and further. Here are the long-term advantages of quitting cigarette smoking
- Quitting reduces the risk of developing secondary cancers.
- It helps your lungs function in a better way over time, leading to better improvements in your overall health.
- Reducing the risk of getting other diseases besides cancer, such as kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, low immunity, and pneumonia.
- Increased Survival Rates: Studies show that quitting smoking after a cancer diagnosis can significantly extend survival rates.
Consult the top medical oncologist for lung cancer treatment in Siliguri.
How you can quit cigarette smoking after cancer diagnosis
1. Set Your Smoking Quit Date
Start with choosing a date to quit smoking but don’t delay. For example, you have just got to know about your lung cancer but you choose next month not this month to quit smoking.
Take fast action so that you can heal fast. Fixing a date allows you to prepare mentally and physically for the change toward better health.
2. Seek Expert Support
Medical support for smoking cessation is invaluable. Inform your oncologist or primary care physician that you want professional help for quitting smoking. You can see one of the best lung cancer doctors in Siliguri.
Medical experts will provide medications and resources to help you quit smoking if you cannot give up on it on your own. Doctors will offer personalized therapy and treatment for optimal recovery from smoking habits.
3. Support from Family and Friends
Discuss with your loved ones about your smoking cessation treatment. Their support will be of great importance.
4. Identify Triggers and Learn to Avoid Them
Stress and anxiety due to a lung cancer diagnosis are culprits for smoking tendency. Expert advice allows you to choose healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise/yoga, meditation, or hobbies.
Many surveys show that people with lung cancer caused by tobacco smoking are about 36% able to quit smoking after their diagnosis. Here stress is the biggest trigger, which results from many reasons.
There may be financial worries, tension about family life, concerns about social life, etc., that keep a lung cancer patient from quitting smoking. Speak to your doctor at the top lung cancer hospital in Siliguri.
5. Addressing Your Lifestyle
For most people, there are specific times when they smoke. You are aware of the times and places where and when you usually smoke. Now, you need to bring changes to your lifestyle habits for better lung cancer treatment outcomes.
For example, if you smoke with your morning coffee, or before bowel movements, switch it to tea or a walk instead. Avoid social events or environments where smoking is prevalent since this may benefit your treatment outcomes.
Build Healthy Habits for Your Own Good
Several healthy habits can help you get better with time, including:
- Exercise: Regular physical activity (mild to moderate) can reduce smoking cravings and improve mood and energy.
- Healthy Diet: Eat a balanced diet (nutritious diet) to support your immune system (you can get a personalized diet).
- Hydration: Drink an adequate amount of water every day that will flush toxins out of your system. To keep yourself hydrated, have soups, smoothies, fresh homemade juices, water-rich fruits, and veggies besides drinking water.
Yes, quitting smoking is sometimes still challenging but not impossible. Healthcare experts are there to help you throughout your lung cancer treatment journey. Their advice will guide you to a better quality of life and improve treatment success.
Visit the best lung cancer hospital in Siliguri for compressive and personalized treatment at Hope & Heal Cancer Hospital & Research Centre. Advanced cancer care, accurate diagnosis, and expert recommendations will help you fight lung cancer.
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