Smoking cigarettes can be one of the most dangerous habits that people can develop. Smoking cigarettes can cause a variety of diseases and illnesses, including heart disease, stroke, and cancer.

It is estimated that approximately 70% of lung cancer deaths can be attributed to smoking. However, the risks of developing lung cancer differ depending on how long an individual has been a smoker and how many cigarettes they smoke daily.

What is lung cancer?

Lung cancer is a type of cancer that originates in the lungs. This type of cancer occurs when cells in the lungs begin to grow abnormally. As these cells continue to grow, they can form into a malignant tumor.

These tumors can invade and damage surrounding tissues and organs, making it challenging for medical professionals to treat lung cancer effectively.

Smoking and the development of lung cancer

Smoking is considered the leading cause of lung cancer globally. Inhaled cigarette smoke contains thousands of harmful chemicals that can harm the lungs and other organs, potentially leading to the development of cancer.

The longer someone smokes cigarettes, the higher risk they have of developing lung cancer. However, even individuals who smoke just a few cigarettes daily can still develop lung cancer.

When individuals smoke cigarettes, the harmful chemicals in the cigarette smoke cause genetic changes in lung cells. Over time, these changes can build up and eventually lead to cancer.

Additionally, inhaling cigarette smoke weakens the body’s immune system, which can make it more difficult for the body to fight off cancer cells at the earliest stages of development.

How long-term smoking affects the risk of lung cancer

The risk of developing lung cancer differs depending on how long someone has been smoking cigarettes, with long-term smokers having a higher chance of developing the disease.

The longer someone has been a smoker, the more damage cigarette smoke causes to their lungs, increasing the risk of developing lung cancer.

However, this risk level can be lowered by quitting smoking as soon as possible. When someone quits smoking cigarettes, their risk of developing lung cancer decreases significantly.

Related Article People with a family history of cancer are more at risk of developing the disease

This is because the body can begin to heal and regenerate cells that may have been damaged by smoking.

Smoking cessation and reducing the risk of lung cancer

Smoking cessation is the process of quitting smoking cigarettes. It is the most effective way of reducing the risk of developing lung cancer and other smoking-related diseases.

When someone quits smoking, their lungs begin to heal from the damage caused by cigarette smoke.

Within the first year of quitting smoking cigarettes, the risk of developing lung cancer drops by roughly 50%. This is a significant decrease and highlights how quickly the body can recover from the damaging effects of smoking.

After ten years of quitting smoking, the risk of developing lung cancer is similar to that of a non-smoker.

Other factors that affect the risk of lung cancer

In addition to smoking, there are other factors that can affect an individual’s risk of developing lung cancer:.

Radon exposure

Radon is a naturally occurring gas that can seep into buildings from the ground. When people breathe in radon gas, it can damage their lungs and potentially lead to cancer. Radon is responsible for approximately 10% of lung cancer deaths globally.

Air pollution

Exposure to pollution from factories, cars, and other sources can increase an individual’s risk of developing lung cancer. Long-term exposure to particulate matter, a type of air pollution, has been linked to lung cancer.

Family history

Lung cancer can be caused by genetic factors. People who have a family history of lung cancer may be at an increased risk of developing the disease.

Conclusion

Long-term smokers have a higher chance of developing lung cancer than non-smokers or short-term smokers. The risk of developing lung cancer can be drastically reduced by quitting smoking as soon as possible.

Additionally, there are other factors that can affect an individual’s risk level, including exposure to radon and air pollution and a family history of lung cancer. Taking steps to reduce exposure to these other factors can help further reduce the risk of developing lung cancer.