Tobacco – A Threat to Health and Development: Why Quitting Tobacco Matters

By Dr. Deepak Talwar Dr. Sameer Gupta Dr. R K Choudhary in Cancer Cardiology Pulmonology, Respiratory & Sleep Medicine

May 31, 2017

Tobacco – A Threat to Health and Development: Why Quitting Tobacco Matters

Tobacco use remains one of the most preventable causes of serious illness and premature death worldwide. Whether consumed through cigarettes, cigars, pipes, smokeless tobacco, or other tobacco products, it exposes the body to harmful chemicals that can affect the lungs, heart, blood vessels, and several other organs.

World No Tobacco Day, observed every year on 31 May, serves as an important reminder of the health, social, environmental, and economic consequences associated with tobacco use. It also encourages individuals, families, communities, and policymakers to take meaningful steps toward reducing tobacco consumption.

Quitting tobacco is one of the most important decisions a person can make for their long-term health. Although stopping tobacco use can be challenging because of nicotine dependence, the right support, motivation, and treatment approach can make the quitting process more manageable.

How Does Tobacco Affect Your Health?

Tobacco smoke contains thousands of chemicals, including substances that can damage cells and increase the risk of serious diseases. Long-term tobacco exposure can affect almost every major organ system.

Some of the health conditions associated with tobacco use include:

• Lung cancer and several other cancers
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• Heart disease and heart attacks
• Stroke
• Emphysema
• Chronic respiratory problems
• Peripheral artery disease
• Reduced lung function
• Respiratory infections
• Poor cardiovascular health

Tobacco use can also affect people who do not smoke. Second-hand smoke exposure can increase health risks for family members, children, pregnant women, and other people around smokers.

Tobacco Is Not Limited to Cigarettes

Many people associate tobacco only with smoking, but tobacco products are available in several forms.

These may include:

• Cigarettes
• Cigars
• Pipes
• Hookah or waterpipe tobacco
• Chewing tobacco
• Snuff and other smokeless tobacco products
• Hand-rolled tobacco
• Other nicotine or tobacco-containing products

Regardless of the form, tobacco use can contribute to nicotine dependence and serious health consequences.

Why Is Quitting Tobacco So Difficult?

Nicotine is highly addictive. With repeated tobacco use, the brain becomes accustomed to receiving nicotine. When a person attempts to stop, withdrawal symptoms and strong cravings may occur.

Common challenges during tobacco cessation may include:

• Strong cravings for tobacco
• Irritability or mood changes
• Difficulty concentrating
• Restlessness
• Increased appetite
• Sleep disturbances
• Anxiety or frustration
• Difficulty dealing with habitual triggers

These challenges do not mean that quitting is impossible. They indicate that tobacco dependence can require structured support and, in some cases, professional treatment.

5 Practical Strategies to Help You Quit Tobacco

1. Set a Clear Quit Date

Choose a specific date to stop tobacco use and prepare yourself mentally and practically before that day. Remove cigarettes, tobacco products, lighters, ashtrays, and other reminders from your surroundings.

Having a clear goal can make the quitting process more structured.

2. Identify and Avoid Your Triggers

Certain situations can increase tobacco cravings. These may include stress, alcohol consumption, social gatherings, specific places, after-meal routines, or spending time with people who smoke.

Recognizing your personal triggers can help you develop healthier alternatives.

For example, when a craving occurs, you may try:

• Taking a short walk
• Drinking water
• Practising deep breathing
• Chewing sugar-free gum
• Seeking encouragement from a trusted friend or family member when cravings become difficult to manage
• Keeping yourself occupied with another activity

3. Avoid the Temptation of a Single Cigarette

A single cigarette or tobacco product may seem harmless, but it can reactivate cravings and make relapse more likely.

When you feel tempted, remind yourself why you decided to quit and focus on your long-term health goals.

4. Consider Professional Tobacco-Cessation Support

Some people are able to quit without medication, while others may benefit from professional support.

Depending on an individual’s tobacco-use pattern and medical history, a healthcare professional may recommend behavioural counselling, nicotine replacement therapy, or other approved tobacco-cessation medications.

Do not start cessation medicines on your own. A doctor can help determine which approach is appropriate for you.

5. Remind Yourself Why You Want to Quit

Your reasons for quitting can become an important source of motivation.

You may want to quit tobacco to:

• Protect your lungs and heart
• Reduce the risk of cancer
• Improve breathing and physical fitness
• Protect your family from second-hand smoke
• Improve your overall quality of life
• Reduce tobacco-related expenses
• Set a healthy example for children and younger family members

Write down your reasons and revisit them whenever you experience a strong craving.

What Happens After You Quit Tobacco?

The body begins to benefit after tobacco exposure stops. Over time, quitting can contribute to better cardiovascular and respiratory health and can reduce the risk of several tobacco-related diseases.

The benefits of quitting are not limited to people who have smoked for only a short period. It is never too late to stop tobacco use.

Even if you have been using tobacco for many years, quitting can still be an important step toward improving your health and reducing future health risks.

Tobacco and Lung Health

Tobacco smoking is one of the major risk factors for COPD and lung cancer. Persistent cough, breathlessness, wheezing, chest discomfort, coughing up blood, unexplained weight loss, or repeated respiratory infections should not be ignored—particularly in people with a history of tobacco exposure.

However, these symptoms can have several possible causes and do not necessarily indicate cancer. A medical evaluation can help identify the underlying problem and determine whether further testing is required.

Tobacco and Heart Health

Tobacco use also places significant stress on the cardiovascular system. Smoking can damage blood vessels, contribute to the development of atherosclerosis, and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

People with cardiovascular risk factors should discuss tobacco cessation with their healthcare provider and seek appropriate support to quit.

Tobacco and Cancer Risk

Tobacco is strongly associated with several types of cancer, including:

• Lung cancer
• Mouth and oral cavity cancer
• Throat cancer
• Laryngeal cancer
• Oesophageal cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Bladder cancer
• Kidney cancer
• Cervical cancer and other cancers

The risk can vary depending on the type, duration, and amount of tobacco exposure, along with other individual factors.

Expert Message

“Quitting tobacco is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your health. If you are finding it difficult to quit, professional support can help you move toward a tobacco-free life.”
— Dr. Sameer Gupta, Consultant – Cardiology & Endovascular Medicine

“Tobacco affects respiratory health significantly and can contribute to serious lung diseases. Recognising the risks and seeking timely help to quit can make an important difference to long-term health.”
— Dr. Deepak Talwar, Chairman – Metro Centre for Respiratory Diseases

“Tobacco use is closely linked with several cancers. Avoiding tobacco and quitting existing tobacco use are important steps toward cancer prevention.”
— Dr. R K Choudhary, Consultant – Medical Oncology

Take the First Step Towards a Tobacco-Free Life

Quitting tobacco may not always happen in a single attempt. Some people may experience setbacks before successfully quitting. What matters is continuing the effort and seeking appropriate support when needed.

Do not wait for a health problem to force you to quit. Start today.

If you or someone in your family is struggling with tobacco dependence, speak with a qualified healthcare professional about an appropriate tobacco-cessation plan.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is quitting smoking really beneficial after many years of tobacco use?
Yes. Quitting tobacco can provide health benefits even after years of use. It can reduce the risk of several tobacco-related diseases and support better long-term health.

2. Is tobacco addictive?
Yes. Nicotine present in tobacco is addictive and can lead to dependence, making it difficult for some people to quit without structured support.

3. What is the best way to quit tobacco?
There is no single approach that works for everyone. Behavioural counselling, support from healthcare professionals, nicotine replacement therapy, and other approved treatments may be considered based on individual needs.

4. Can tobacco cause lung cancer?
Yes. Tobacco smoking is a major risk factor for lung cancer and is also associated with several other cancers.

5. Does smokeless tobacco cause health problems?
Yes. Smokeless tobacco is not a safe alternative to smoking. It can lead to nicotine dependence and is associated with serious health risks, including certain cancers and cardiovascular problems.

6. Can second-hand smoke affect non-smokers?
Yes. Exposure to second-hand smoke can negatively affect the health of people who do not smoke, including children and other family members.

7. What should I do if I cannot quit tobacco on my own?
Do not consider it a failure. Tobacco dependence can be difficult to overcome. Consult a healthcare professional or tobacco-cessation specialist for personalised guidance and support.