BENGALURU: Intake of tobacco (both smoked and smokeless forms) accounts for 21% of total cancer deaths worldwide, including those from lung cancer. Non-smokers can still be at risk for lung cancer due to several factors, even though smoking is the leading cause. Air pollution in various forms poses a significant risk to them. This was said by Dr. Radheshyam Naik, Consultant Medical Oncologist, Hematologist, and Bone Marrow Transplant Physician at Sammprada Hospital, Bengaluru, ahead of World Lung Day.

Dr. Radheshyam Naik: “While the risk of lung cancer is lower for non-smokers than for smokers, they should still be aware of non-tobacco risk factors and take steps to minimize their exposure. This is especially important considering the rising incidence of lung cancer among people who have never smoked. Long-term exposure to polluted air increases the risk of lung cancer. A critical component of air pollution includes airborne particulate matter of different sizes which are a result of combustion from various sources. Motor vehicle emissions contain many human carcinogens like diesel exhaust, benzene, polyaromatic hydrocarbons, and dioxin.”

The doctor said long-term occupational exposure can happen from diesel and gasoline exhaust, inhalable dust like metals and silica, and working in areas like mining, foundries, truck transportation, carbon black production, and asphalt. This increases the risk of lung cancer for non-smokers.

Dr. Radheshyam Naik added: “The residual risk of developing lung cancer is also significant among former smokers. Ongoing research reports a favorable response to chemoprevention among former smokers when compared with current smokers. Alcohol consumption contributes to 4% of all cancers worldwide, which includes lung cancer.”

Household air pollution is a result of the burning of solid fuels, passive smoking, and inadequate ventilation systems. “In the Indian context, since many women tend to work from within their homes and cook very frequently, the exposure at home has a strong impact on their lung health compared with males. When contrasted with clean energy, the coal furnace which is used as a means of domestic heating in rural areas is associated with twice the risk of lung cancer,” he said.

The doctor said that it is important for physicians in India to be trained to recognize the symptoms of lung cancer early. “According to research studies from South India, less than 50% of doctors suspect lung cancer when a patient presents to them with symptoms. Evidence shows that among Indian lung cancer patients, there exists a delay of about 100 days between developing symptoms and the diagnosis of lung cancer. This duration extends by another 26 days for receiving proper treatment. A higher index of clinical suspicion should be exercised by physicians in India among those at risk for lung cancer,” Dr. Radheshyam Naik.

Low-dose spiral CT scanning provides a tool for early detection of lung cancer, as a complete image of the thorax can be obtained during a single hold of breath. It is important to develop lung cancer clinics in hospitals which will enable the appropriate diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer, he added.

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The health of our knee joints is crucial for maintaining mobility and overall quality of life, as these joints are central to most daily activities, from walking and climbing stairs to running and exercising. Proper knee function ensures stability, support, and flexibility, enabling us to engage in a wide range of physical activities without discomfort. However, knee joint health can be significantly impacted by our lifestyle choices.

Our lifestyle choices play a pivotal role in determining the health of our knee joints. While some lifestyle choices enhance the health of knee joints, others can deteriorate it. Smoking as a lifestyle choice can have a detrimental impact on knee joint health in several ways.

The Connection Between Smoking and Arthritis

The connection between smoking and arthritis might not be immediately apparent, but the effects are profound. Nicotine and other harmful chemicals in cigarettes impair blood circulation, which can reduce the delivery of essential nutrients and oxygen to the knee joints and surrounding tissues. This compromised blood flow can hinder the body’s ability to repair and maintain cartilage and other connective tissues, increasing the risk of joint degeneration and arthritis.

Moreover, smoking contributes to overall inflammation in the body, which can exacerbate joint pain and stiffness. The harmful effects of smoking can also interfere with the body’s ability to heal from injuries or surgeries, making recovery more challenging. As a result, smoking not only accelerates the deterioration of knee joint health but also complicates efforts to manage or recover from arthritis-related issues.

Impact of Smoking on Knee Health

Smoking has several negative impacts on knee health:

• Accelerated cartilage breakdown: Cartilage, the cushioning material in joints, is essential for smooth movement of the knee joints. Smoking accelerates the degeneration of cartilage, leading to arthritis, a condition marked by joint pain, stiffness, and swelling.
• Reduced blood flow: Nicotine constricts blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the knees. This decreased blood flow hampers the delivery of essential nutrients and oxygen to the cartilage, hindering its repair and regeneration.
• Weak bones: Smoking interferes with the body’s ability to absorb calcium, a crucial mineral for bone health. Weaker bones are more susceptible to stress and injury, increasing the risk of knee problems.

The Link Between Smoking and Arthritis

The combined impact of these factors makes smokers considerably more prone to developing severe knee arthritis. Furthermore, smokers with arthritis are at an increased risk of complications, including infection, delay in healing, and further joint deterioration.

Looking Forward

Quitting smoking can help reverse some of the damage and enhance knee health. Even if you have been a long-term smoker, quitting can still offer substantial benefits. It’s never too late to stop smoking. If you’re a smoker with arthritis, taking steps to quit smoking can greatly improve your knee health and overall well-being. There are various smoking cessation programs and medications available to support your efforts to quit. The connection between smoking and arthritis is clear, and by recognizing the risks and taking steps to quit smoking, you can improve your quality of life.

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