As a cardiothoracic surgeon I see first hand the ugly truth about smoking. In fact, 32 percent of cardiovascular deaths, and 90 percent of lung cancer deaths among men and approximately 80 percent of lung cancer deaths among women, are attributed to smoking.
By the time patients come to me with a catastrophic illness due to smoking, most are ready to face the truth about their habit and quit for good. Here are some of the "myths" that I hear, and what scientific evidence I am compelled to share:
MYTH #1 - Some forms of tobacco are healthier than others.
All forms of tobacco use are harmful. Smoking cigarettes with lower "machine-measured" levels of tar and nicotine shows NO clear benefit to health. Cigar smokers have a 30% higher cancer death rate than non-smokers from lung problems, and about an 8% chance of dying from throat, mouth, lip, larynx and esophageal cancer than non-smokers.
MYTH #2 - Electronic cigarettes are a healthier alternative.
A few years ago a refillable "cigarette" with a battery and an electronic chip in it became available. It looks like a cigarette, right down to the glowing tip. When the smoker puffs on it, the system delivers a mist of liquid, flavorings, and nicotine that looks something like smoke. The smoker inhales it like cigarette smoke, and the nicotine is absorbed into the lungs.
The e-cigarette has no published clinical trials that suggest it might work as a way to help smokers quit. No clinical trials have been submitted to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). There are also questions about how safe it is to inhale some of the substances in the nicotine mists into the lungs. E-cigarettes are not labeled with their ingredients, so the consumer doesn't know what's in them. And, even substances that are safe to eat can harm delicate tissues inside the lungs.
MYTH #3 - Smoking is cool and sexy.
Smoking smell permeates clothing, increases wrinkles on your face, stains your teeth. Men with high blood pressure who smoke are more likely than nonsmokers to be impotent.
MYTH #4 - Smoking improves my mood.
The American Journal of Pediatrics reports that if you are already down or depressed, cigarette smoking can put you at a higher risk for clinical depression. Teens who smoke are four times more likely to be depressed than teens who don't.
MYTH #5 - I've smoked for years so there's no benefit in quitting now.
Quitting smoking has immediate as well as long-term benefits. Within two to 12 weeks of quitting, circulation improves, walking becomes easier, and lung function can increase up to 30 %. In one to five months the ex-smoker will be able to clear mucus better, and have decreased fatigue and coughing. Within one year, the risk of heart disease decreases by about 50%.
For those who are over age 50 and have smoked for more than 20 years, I recommend having a Spiral CT Lung Cancer Screening at St. Joseph Hospital. From the hundreds that have been screened, only about one in 60 has been identified with lung cancer. While most will be relieved, for those who are identified this screening is life-saving.
Brian Palafox, M.D., is board certified in general and thoracic surgery and has served patients in Orange County for 27 years. Since 1999 his practice has been with Orange County Thoracic & Cardiovascular Surgeons (OCTCS). At. St. Joseph Hospital, Dr. Palafox serves as the Co-Medical Director of the Thoracic Oncology Program. He is a Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves.
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