Why Smoking Increase Risk For Stomach Cancer?

Stomach cancer is a cancer that can affect any part of the stomach, including the stomach wall and the middle section. Although stomach cancer is a rare type of cancer, it still poses a risk to one's health.  Smoking has been identified as a risk factor for stomach cancer. Let's look at how smoking influences stomach cancer.

Symptoms of Stomach Cancer

Symptoms of stomach cancer can vary depending on its stage and location of cancer in the stomach. Some of the symptoms include:

• Persistent stomach pain
• Loss of appetite
• Feeling full after eating a small amount
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Persistent fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss

If you experience any of these symptoms, see a doctor immediately for further examination.

Smoking and Stomach Cancer

Smoking is one of the most harmful habits to one's health. Cigarettes contain over 7,000 chemicals and toxins. Tar, nicotine, carbon monoxide, ammonia and other chemicals can be found in cigarettes.

One of the major risk factors for stomach cancer is smoking. Smoking is a bad habit that can harm the stomach's health and cause cell damage. Damage to these cells can impair their function and threaten one's health.

How Can Smoking Cause Stomach Cancer?

Smoking can cause stomach cancer in several ways, such as:

1.  Through tar in cigarettes

Tar in cigarettes may contain harmful chemicals that can damage stomach cells and cause DNA mutations. Chemicals in cigarettes can disrupt cell division and cause stomach cells to grow abnormally.

2.  Through free radicals

Free radicals in cigarettes are unstable and highly reactive chemicals. These chemicals can also damage stomach cells and cause DNA mutations. Free radicals also disrupt the cell growth process and indirectly affect health.

3.  Weakening the immune system

Smoking can weaken a person's immune system. A weak immune system can increase a person's risk of developing stomach cancer.

Do Men Possess Higher Risk of Stomach Cancer?

According to research, men are more likely than women to develop stomach cancer, and at a younger age too. In a Chinese study of stomach cancer patients, 64.8% of those tested were men.

The table below compares the risk of stomach cancer in men and women:

Although there are differences in risk between men and women, both genders should be educated on the prevention of stomach cancer.

Passive Smokers

Passive smokers are people who inhale second-hand smoke from others. This can happen at home, at work or in public places such as restaurants or bars. According to studies, passive smokers have a higher risk of getting stomach cancer than people who are not exposed to cigarette smoke. This is because the chemicals in cigarette smoke can still damage the stomach wall and cause cancer.

For those living with smokers, you can open windows or doors to allow fresh air into the house. Additionally, you can ask smokers not to smoke in front of you or at least smoke outside the house.

Other Smoking Effects

Did you know that smoking has an impact on your health, appearance and finances? Let's find out together.

1. Impact on Health

Heart disease

Heart disease is one of the most harmful effects of smoking. Smoking increases the risk of heart disease as nicotine content in cigarettes causes fat deposition on the artery wall. This can cause narrowing of the artery and, ultimately, a heart attack.

Respiratory Disorders 

​One of the most serious consequences of smoking is respiratory disorders. Smoking can lead to respiratory problems like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

COPD is a dangerous disease that can cause difficulty breathing due to lack of oxygen in the body.

Dental Damage

The effects of smoking can also affect the teeth and can cause tooth loss. Smoking can reduce blood flow to the gums and increase the risk of gum disease. In addition, smoking can also cause damage to the teeth and jawbone.

The smell of the mouth is also can affect the smoker with unpleasant smell with the effect of smoking. The chemical content of a cigarette can leave a strong odour in the mouth and is difficult to eliminate. This can cause problems in social relations as well as poor oral health.

Mental Health 

There is ample evidence that smoking has a negative effect on one's cognitive ability. Smoking can cause memory problems, lack of focus and other cognitive issues. 

Besides that, studies show that smoking increases a person's risk of developing mental disorders such as depression and anxiety.

Other Cancer Risk

Smoking can cause a high risk of many types of cancer besides stomach cancer. Here are some cancers linked to cigarette smoking:

- Lung cancer

This is the most commonly associated type of cancer. Chemicals found in cigarettes can damage lung tissue and cause abnormal cancer cell growth. 

Smoking cessation or avoidance of cigarette smoke can reduce the risk of lung cancer.

 - Oral and throat cancer

Smoking can cause cancer in the mouth and throat, particularly on the tongue, lips and gums. Cigarette chemicals can cause tissue and cell damage in the mouth and throat, leading to abnormal cancer cell development.

- Bile cancer

Smoking can also cause gallbladder cancer. It is due to the accumulation of toxic chemicals in the blood as a result of the use of cigarettes.

- Pancreatic cancer

Smoking is also associated with the risk of pancreatic cancer. Chemicals in cigarettes can damage tissues and cells in the pancreas, which can lead to abnormal cancer cell development.

- Breast cancer

Smoking can increase a woman's risk of developing breast cancer. It is caused by chemicals in cigarettes that can harm DNA and cells in the breast.

2. Impact on Appearance

Smoking also has a negative impact on one's appearance. Smoking can prematurely age your skin and make your complexion dull and pale. Furthermore, smoking can cause teeth to yellow and hair to become dry and damaged.

These effects can have an impact on one's self-confidence.

3. Impact on Financial Health

Smoking habits also have a huge impact on one's finances. The cost of cigarettes to be spent each month can affect one's budget in the long run. These costs may appear minor at first, but they can add up over time.

Additionally, smoking-related health issues can raise the costs that one must bear.

How to Overcome This Addiction?

​Overcoming smoking addiction can be a major challenge for most smokers. However, there are several methods that can help someone reduce or quit smoking.

For example, one can try nicotine replacement therapy by using a variety of nicotine replacement products available on the market. Other methods such as cognitive behavioral therapy can help smokers learn ways to overcome their desire to smoke.

Let's Stop Smoking!

The use of cigarettes should be avoided to reduce the risk of stomach cancer and other diseases. If you still smoke, consider how to quit and seek help from a doctor or health professional. Your health is important and you have the power to change your habits for the well-being of not just yourself, but those around you!

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