Fact - Not everyone is ‘adequately aware’ of the risks of smoking.

Have you been contemplating quitting smoking for quite some time now? Has your motivation been restricted to just contemplating and not execution? Have you ever wondered, the reason you are lighting your next cigarette could be ‘your knowledge’ or rather ‘the lack of knowledge’ about the risks of smoking. 

Let us explore more on ‘the awareness levels of the risks of smoking’

According to various surveys and studies, the public knowledge about the risks of smoking exists in 4 levels.

  • Level 1: They have heard that smoking increases health risks.
  • Level 2: They are aware that smoking causes certain diseases such as lung cancer.
  • Level 3: They are accurately aware and appreciate the meaning, severity, and probabilities of developing tobacco related diseases.
  • Level 4: They personally accept that the risks discussed in levels 1–3 apply to themselves being at risk of contracting such diseases.

The studies reveal that Level 1 knowledge is very high among the general public. But the knowledge and understanding greatly diminishes beyond level 1. Very few people know or accept that 2 out of every 3 will have a decreased normal life expectancy or die of a smoking caused disease.

Moreover, most people are aware that smoking is hazardous to health, (particularly lung cancer) but do not have knowledge about the full scope of the health risks caused by cigarettes. It is becoming clear that cigarettes cause disease in nearly every organ of the body as mentioned below:

  • Respiratory diseases: impaired lung function, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, pneumonia, and emphysema.
  • Cardiovascular and coronary artery diseases.
  • Increases the risk of stroke.
  • Increased risk of several cancers: oral cavity, esophageal, larynx, pharynx, stomach, pancreatic, cervical, colon, kidney, and bladder) acute myeloid leukemia ( a type of blood cancer).
  • Other diseases: cataracts, periodontitis, peptic ulcers,  and hip fractures.
  • General diminished health status and increased morbidity (decreased productivity and increased work absenteeism, poor or adverse surgical outcomes, increased use of medical care services, etc.)
  • Gender-specific health risks (in females): Osteoporosis and low bone density, cervical cancer, pregnancy complications including infertility, ectopic pregnancy, preterm delivery, low-birthweight babies, fetal death and stillbirths, reduced lung function in infants, and sudden infant death syndrome) and early menopause.

Take Home Message: When it comes to quitting smoking, it is never too late. The next time when you are reaching out for your next cigarette, think what it means to your health, remember why you wanted to quit in the first place and steer away from the triggers and temptations. 

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