National No Smoking Day

Smoking is one of the leading causes of lung cancer. It is responsible for the vast majority of cases, with around 85% of lung cancer deaths in the United States attributed to smoking. Smoking exposes the lungs to harmful chemicals, including tar and carcinogens, that damage the DNA in lung cells and increase the likelihood of cancerous growth.

Here's how smoking can lead to lung cancer:

1. Chemical Exposure: Tobacco smoke contains over 7,000 chemicals, many of which are toxic and carcinogenic (cancer-causing). These chemicals can damage the cells in the lining of the lungs over time.

2. DNA Damage: The carcinogens in tobacco smoke can directly alter the DNA within the lung cells. This damage to the DNA can cause mutations that lead to the uncontrolled cell growth characteristic of cancer.

3. Chronic Inflammation: Smoking causes chronic inflammation in the lungs. This long-term inflammation can weaken the body's ability to fight abnormal cells, allowing cancer cells to thrive.

4. Immune System Suppression: Smoking also weakens the immune system, making it less effective at recognizing and destroying cancer cells before they can develop into tumours.

5. Increased Risk Over Time: The longer and more heavily someone smokes, the higher their risk for developing lung cancer. Even smoking just a few cigarettes a day over time can increase the risk, though smoking more significantly increases the risk.

It is important to note that non-smokers can also develop lung cancer, but the risk is much higher in smokers. Quitting smoking significantly lowers the risk of lung cancer, and the sooner a person quits, the more they can reduce their risk of developing the disease.

We are currently running various clinical trials for patients with lung cancer, find out more in here.