World No Tobacco Day is observed on 31st May every year. As a tribute to the 6 million killed each year by tobacco and a call of action for governments to halt this deadly epidemic, this day has been observed by the World Health Organization from the year 1987. The single largest preventable cause of cancer in the world is the use of tobacco. Many types of cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung disease and other health-related problems are caused by tobacco. An oncologist in Kolkata is sharing here some information about this.

“Tobacco and lung health” is the main focus of World No Tobacco Day 2019. The awareness on the following will be created in the campaign:

  • The lungs play a fundamental role in the health and overall well-being of all people.
  • The lung health of the people is badly affected by the negative impact of tobacco. A number of problems from cancer to chronic respiratory disease can happen.

Tobacco endangering the lung health of people worldwide

The multiple ways in which exposure to tobacco affects the health of the lungs of all people worldwide will be the main focus of the World No Tobacco Day 2019.

Lung cancer

The primary cause of lung cancer is tobacco smoking. For over two-thirds of deaths from lung cancer, it is responsible. At home or in the workplace, if there is second-hand smoking, it also increases the risk of lung cancer. The risk of lung cancer can reduce if you quit smoking. It has been found that the risk of lung cancer falls to about half of that of a smoker after 10 years of quitting smoking. It is 15 to 30 times more likely for the people those who smoke to get lung cancer or die from it in comparison to those who don’t smoke. A cancer doctor will also confirm this matter.

Chronic respiratory disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is caused by tobacco smoking. The build-up of pus-filled mucus in the lungs results in a painful cough and agonising breathing difficulties in this condition.

Lung problems in infants

There is often reduced lung growth and function in infants who are exposed to tobacco while in the uterus through the exposure of their mothers to tobacco.

Tuberculosis

The lungs get damaged and the lung function gets reduced due to tuberculosis (TB), which is further aggravated due to tobacco smoking.