MEDICAL MYTHS DEBUNKED: Separating Fact from Fiction About Smoking
LISBON, Portugal – Despite decades of public health campaigns, hazardous misconceptions about smoking persist, hindering efforts to reduce tobacco-related illness and death.New research and ongoing studies continue to dismantle common myths surrounding cigarettes and their impact on health. Here’s a breakdown of seven prevalent myths, and the scientific truths behind them:
Myth 1: Smoking relieves stress.
The Truth: Nicotine is a stimulant, not a relaxant. While smokers may associate smoking with a temporary feeling of calm, this is actually the relief of withdrawal symptoms. Abstinence from nicotine generates stress, proving nicotine’s inherently stimulating nature. Therefore, nicotine dose not generally relieve stress.
Myth 2: Smoking just a few cigarettes is harmless.
The Truth: Even smoking less than five cigarettes a day significantly increases cardiovascular risk and the risk of lung cancer in both men and women. The only truly harmless option is to not smoke at all.
Myth 3: It’s always to late to stop smoking.the damage is already done.
The truth: The benefits of quitting smoking are realized at any age. The sooner someone stops, the greater the benefits. While pulmonary function naturally declines with age, this loss is accelerated in smokers. Quitting, even at 60 or 70, can slow this decline and improve quality of life.
Myth 4: Lung cancer is the only disease associated with tobacco.
The Truth: Tobacco use is linked to numerous cancers,as well as cardiovascular diseases (heart attack,stroke),respiratory illnesses (asthma,COPD),and even diabetes.
Myth 5: Passive smoke is not that bad.
The Truth: Extensive research demonstrates the dangers of secondhand smoke exposure. it is associated with cardiovascular disease, respiratory problems, and various cancers. In children, passive smoke exposure is linked to conditions like rhinitis, respiratory infections (bronchiolitis, otitis), and asthma.
Myth 6: Roll-your-own cigarettes are safer.
The truth: Roll-your-own cigarettes are no safer than conventional cigarettes and are less regulated.They undergo combustion like traditional cigarettes, and variations in tobacco amount, filter use, and paper type alter the smoking experience and the compounds inhaled.
Myth 7: Diet can influence lung cancer risk.
The Truth: Recent studies reveal a connection between dietary habits and the risk of developing lung cancer. (Further information can be found here: https://www.noticiasaominuto.com/lifestyle/2832803/estudo-revela-como-a-sua-dieta-pode-aumentar-risco-de-cancro-do-pulmao)
