The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted many areas of our lives, including stress management, screenings, and preventive health. In some areas, such as smoking cessation, experts are seeing regression following years of progress.
Recent studies cited by the Journal of the American Medical Association show an increase in smoking habits in part because people have more time at home and less support surrounding them on their smoking cessation journey.
Smoking-related deaths represent more than 80% of lung cancer mortalities. Whether it’s for yourself or a loved one, here is what you need to know about smoking cessation.
Half of Lifetime Smokers Will Die From Tobacco-Related Disease
Tobacco use raises risks for numerous health conditions, including cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, respiratory diseases, heart disease, heart attack, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, cataracts, and macular degeneration. Research has consistently proven that smoking cessation is paramount to lung health, and smokers who quit are more likely to live a healthier and longer life, while greatly decreasing their lung cancer risk.
Call the Quit for Life Hotline at 1-877-937-7848."
Quitting Smoking Before Age 40 Lowers Risk of Death From a Smoking-Related Cause by 90%
Smoking cessation can literally save your life. Quitting smoking doesn’t have to be cold turkey. Try nicotine replacement to eliminate dependence, or gradually decrease your intake. There are nicotine patches, gum, inhalers, and nasal sprays to help you through your smoking cessation.
You Have Support
Whether it’s friends, family, neighbors, or those at Texas Oncology, you will always have supporters cheering you on throughout your smoking cessation journey. Some publicly sponsored programs have real-time chat and 24/7 text support, and you can call the Quitline, a hotline supported by the Texas Department of State Health Services, at 1-877-937-7848.
Smoking cessation is no easy task, but it is vital to your health. Not smoking is the most important thing you can do to prevent cancer. For more information on quitting, talk to your Texas Oncology care team or primary care physician.