This November, Become a Quitter
Most people know that that lung cancer is the number one cancer in the United States and that smoking is one of the leading causes of lung cancer in men and women.
What you may not know is that smoking may also lead to other cancers such as mouth, larynx, esophogeal, bladder, kidney, pancreatic, cervix and stomach. According to the American Cancer Society, smoking contributes to 30 percent of cancer deaths.
Why Quit?
According the U.S. Surgeon General, 20 minutes after smoking your heart rate drops and 12 hours after quitting the carbon monoxide level in your blood returns to normal. There are many long-term benefits associated with quitting; after five years your stroke risk is significantly reduced and after 10 years the lung cancer death rate is about half that of a person who continues to smoke.
Taking the First Step
There are more tools available than ever to help you stop smoking, ranging from support groups to hypnosis to nicotine substitutes, such as gums and patches. Because smoking affects you physically and psychologically, you may need a combination of these tools to be successful. Talk with your health care provider about your options, particularly before using nicotine substitutes as they may have possible side effects. Also, check to see if your employer or health care insurance provider offers programs to stop smoking.
According to the American Cancer Society, quitters say the following four factors are critical to successfully stop smoking:
- Making the decision to quit
- Setting a quit date and choosing a quit plan
- Dealing with withdrawal
- Remaining smoke-free
By focusing on being smoke-free not only the day you quit but also the days and weeks following, you increase your chances of being successful. This is where a network of family, friends, co-workers and support groups can be of the greatest help to you. More than 46 million smokers have quit for good. This month, you can become one of them.
For more information about smoking cessation programs, call 800-789-PENN (7366).
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