How long will it take for tobacco to ruin my health?

Question:

I started smoking about a year and a half ago, and feel like I'm addicted to cigar smoke. Now I'm worried that I have a dependenc. How long does it take to get cancer? and what are some of the symptoms to look out for(particularly mouth cancer)? I reallly want to stop though and am seriously considering it. Could I get cancer even after I quit for awhile? The advice would be greatly greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Answers:
Combustion products start attacking your blood vessels immediately.

Cancer is slower to develop. The catch with smoke is that it contains combustion products that cause the mutations that lead to cancer, but tar (and cigar smoke is rich in tar) is an irritant that causes the mutated cells to proliferate. There are other causes of oral cancer and cigar smoke will accelerate them.

Oral cancer can start a white patch, a red patch, or an ulcer that won't heal. Your dentist or an otolarygologist (ear, nose & throat) can perform a good annual exam to keed an eye out for early curable cancer, but it can (rarely) form in invisible places like the folds of the tonsils.

After five to ten years not smoking, your risk will be only slightly higher than a lifetime non-smoker's. Also, alcohol -- especially hard liquor -- increases your risk.

I don't want to scare you (at least too much). The odds are still in your favor, and by quitting and having regular checkups, you can improve them.

It starts affecting you immediately.

More Questions and Answers

The consumer health information on youqa.com is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions.
The answer content post by the user, if contains the copyright content please contact us, we will immediately remove it.

How long will it take for tobacco to ruin my health?

Health Resources