Smoking is bad for us. Yes, we’ve heard. So why has this research published in the New England Journal of Medicine caused a stir?
In short, it’s the size, scale, and scope of the study that provides great insights into the health risks of smoking. The study followed the health records of over 2 million people (both smokers and non-smokers) across 50 years. The results:
The health risks of smoking are equal for male and female
The main buzz surrounding the published research shows that women’s risk of death caused by cigarettes has elevated dramatically. The study also considered the evolution of female smoking habits during the past 50 years, which have become more on par with men in terms of starting age and daily consumption. As a result, now the risk of death from lung cancer for women who smoke is about 5 times greater than those who don’t smoke; the same percentage as men.
Smoking worsens other health problems
The study found that older men and women who smoke were three times more likely to die from illnesses caused or complicated by smoking than all other causes combined.
Quitting smoking improves your health dramatically
The study also confirmed, “smoking cessation at any age dramatically reduced death rates… As reported previously, nearly all the excess risk can be avoided if a person quits smoking before 40 years of age. Quitting smoking is much more effective than reducing the number of cigarettes smoked.” A second study published in the same issue of the medical journal showed the benefits of quitting smoking were “dramatic for all age groups.”
Quit smoking today
We know quitting smoking isn’t as easy as turning off a faucet. But we also know quitting cuts our risk of a premature death drastically. Thankfully, you don’t have to do it alone. If you’re serious about avoiding the health risks of smoking for yourself or the health and joy of your family, there’s plenty of free information and resources available from sites like the American Cancer Society. In addition to information, there are plenty of over-the-counter aids and other methods available. The best place to start quitting is with your doctor, who can help you find a program to help you achieve a smoke-free lifestyle.
Be well, Stay well ~
Pharmacist Andy
Andy Stergachis, Ph.D., R.Ph. is the Director of the Global Medicines Program at the University of Washington in Seattle and a subject expert on public health and pharmacy-related topics.
