Long-Term Effects of Tobacco Use on the Human Body

Tobacco use is a leading risk factor for numerous chronic diseases, including cancer, lung disease, cardiovascular disease, and stroke. It is responsible for at least 30% of all cancer deaths and 80% of lung cancer deaths. By 2025, there are projected to be 17 million new cancer cases globally, with three-fourths of these cancer-related deaths occurring in developing countries.

Tobacco-Related Cancers (TRCs) Tobacco-related cancers represent a substantial portion of all cancer cases. If current smoking trends and population growth continue, the global number of smokers could reach 2 billion by 2030. The harmful effects of tobacco extend beyond smokers, impacting those around them, especially family and friends. Second-hand smoke is particularly detrimental.

Impact of Second-Hand Smoke Long-term exposure to second-hand smoke leads to lung cancer, coronary heart disease, and cardiac death. Non-smokers living with smokers have a 25%-30% increased risk of coronary heart disease and a 20%-30% increased risk of lung cancer. Each puff of cigarette smoke contains over 7,000 compounds, with at least 60 identified as carcinogens. These include:

Benzene

Formaldehyde

Aromatic Amines

Nitrosamines

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons

Lung Cancer Lung cancer, predominantly caused by smoking, is one of the leading causes of cancer death among both men and women. The process of lung carcinogenesis due to tobacco smoke is multifactorial and complex.

In summary, the long-term use of tobacco and exposure to second-hand smoke significantly increases the risk of various chronic diseases and cancers, posing a severe public health challenge worldwide.