Lung Cancer and Smoking

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Article featured in Avatar - Volume 3, Issue 5 (November 2009).

Lung Cancer and Smoking
by Jessie

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, killing over one million people each year. This cancer is most prevalent in North America and Europe, and among people ages fifty and older with a history of smoking. In fact, lung cancer was rare before cigarette smoking became popular.

November is Lung Cancer Awareness month, and each year on the third Thursday of November the American Cancer Society holds an event called the Great American Smokeout. On this day, cigarette smokers are challenged to quit for twenty-four hours. The goal, the hope, is that people will choose to quit permanently when they realize that they are able to go an entire day without smoking.

Some people can quit with ease. Other people need moral or medical support, cigarette smoking alternatives, and a strong desire to kick the habit. It isn’t a hard decision, when you think about it. Cigarette smoking is dangerous for you and for the people around you. It smells bad (honestly, it does) and it can yellow your fingers and teeth.

If you would like to quit, November would be a great time to do it. In many places the weather is getting colder, so stepping outside to smoke probably sounds a little less desirable than it would on a nice spring day. No one can promise you it will be easy, but support is available for everyone. Even if you are an underage smoker, you will not get in trouble for reaching out for help quitting. Doctors and local organizations can offer you the support and the tools you need to successfully quit.

There are countless methods of quitting smoking that you could try. An affordable idea is to replace cigarettes with a healthy snack or a healthy activity to keep you busy until the craving passes. When you would normally have a cigarette, eat a carrot or go for a run instead! Having a “stop smoking buddy” who can support or share your decision to quit smoking might help you out, too. If you are looking for one, ask around!

You smoke because it is something you enjoy, and giving up something you enjoy can be difficult. When you choose to quit, though, save the money you would usually use to purchase cigarettes. Don't spend it on bills, buy groceries with it, or lend it to other people. Instead, set it aside and save up until you have a nice chunk of cash, then go and do something nice for yourself. You deserve it, after all!

Sources:
http://info.cancerresearchuk.org/
http://toxsci.oxfordjournals.org/