SUBSTANCE USE: (Dr Niti Krishna Raizada, Medical Oncologist &Hemato-Oncologist oncologistniti@gmail.com)
1).Tobacco is the #1 cause of cancer and of death from cancer;3500 deaths related to tobacco related cancers in India per day. There is no safe level of tobacco use. It is most commonly known for causing lung cancer and makes up 80% of lung cancer deaths. Tobacco consumed in any form is harmful to the body; this includes cigarettes, cigars, e-cigarettes, and chewing tobacco.In addition to lung, mouth and throat cancer, tobacco can also lead to cancer of the bladder, kidney, liver, stomach, pancreas, colon and rectum, cervix, and even blood cancer. Chewing tobacco, also known as snuff, is a form of smokeless tobacco and can cause oral, esophageal and pancreatic cancer as well.Tobacco also increases the risk of developing cancer in those exposed to secondhand smoke.
2). ALCOHOL-Strong link between drinking alcohol . Moderate to heavy alcohol consumption can lead to different types of head and neck cancer as well as esophageal cancer. Drinking has also been linked to breast cancer and colorectal cancer and twice as likely to result in liver cancer & Pancreatic cancer. There is a common 'misconception' that red wine can help prevent cancer.
3).Steroids - Anabolic Steroids is used to increase muscle mass. The use of steroids is known to increase the risk of prostate cancer in men and endometrial cancer in women.
4). Opioids- is used for Chronic cancer pain. Sometimes IV use can cause liver dysfunction and later liver cancer.
5). Illicit Drug use like cocaine and heroin- are often mixed, or “cut”, with toxic cancer-causing chemicals in order to create more of the drug.