Is Smoking a Cause of Cancer? Facts & Studies

What is Cancer?

 Cancer is a disease where cells divide uncontrollably and invade surrounding tissues. Cancerous cells may spread throughout the body by entering the bloodstream or lymphatic system. 

There are many types of cancer, including lung cancer, skin cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, colon cancer, leukemia, brain cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, testicular cancer, stomach cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, kidney cancer, bladder cancer, head & neck cancer, cervical cancer, thyroid cancer, sarcoma, melanoma, lymphoma, and bone cancer.

Causes of Cancer

1. Cancer is caused by genetic mutations.

Cancerous cells develop due to DNA mutation (mutation) in genes. These mutated genes lead to uncontrolled cell division and proliferation. When these mutated genes are inherited, it leads to hereditary cancers.

 2. Cancer is caused by environmental factors.

 The environment around us affects our bodies and may cause disease. The surroundings we live in affect our immune system and body’s organs. Environmental factors can cause cancer. Tobacco smoke, air pollution, radiation, chemicals, viruses, bacteria, and fungi are some examples of environmental factors that may cause cancer.

 3. Cancer is caused by lifestyle choices.

 Our lifestyles have a significant effect on our health. Lifestyle choices such as diet, exercise, alcohol consumption, smoking, and drug use influence our chances of getting cancer. In addition, people who do not eat well and do not get enough sleep are at higher risk of developing cancer.

 4. Cancer is caused by poor nutrition.

 Nutrition is the food we consume. Poor nutrition can lead to several problems including obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. A balanced diet includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, fish, eggs, nuts, seeds, and legumes.

 5. Cancer is caused by infections.

 Infections are caused by germs or microorganisms. Germs and microorganisms enter our bodies through wounds, cuts, bites, and scrapes. Infectious agents can cause cancer if they multiply inside the human body and damage the cells. Viruses, bacteria, parasites, molds, and fungi are among the infectious agents that can cause cancer.

 6. Cancer is caused by trauma.

 Trauma occurs when something injures our body. Traumatic injuries can cause cancer if the injury damages the cells. Examples of traumatic injuries include burns, accidents, and surgeries.

 7. Cancer is caused by genetics.

 Genetic disorders occur when our genes change and become abnormal. Genetic disorders can lead to cancer if they cause changes in the genes that control cell reproduction.

Is Smoking a Cause of Cancer?

We know that smoking does not only cause lung cancer, but it can also cause other types of cancers. 

According to the American Cancer Society, there are at least 43 different types of cancer caused by smoking. 

These include cancers of the mouth, throat, larynx (voice box), esophagus, stomach, colon/rectum, liver, pancreas, bladder, kidney, cervix, ovary, uterus, breast, prostate, thyroid, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, leukemia, and others. 

There is no doubt that smoking causes cancer; however, the question remains whether or not marijuana smoke actually contributes to causing cancer.

•  There have been many studies conducted over the years about the effects of marijuana use on human health. Many of these studies have shown that marijuana smoke contains carcinogens and toxins that could potentially lead to cancer. However, some studies show that marijuana may actually help prevent certain forms of cancer.
•  The first study was conducted in 1964 by Dr. William H. Frey. He studied the relationship between cigarette smoking and lung cancer among men who had smoked cigarettes regularly for at least 20 years. His results showed that those who smoked marijuana were less likely to develop lung cancer than those who did not smoke marijuana. In addition, he concluded that marijuana smokers tended to live longer than those who did not use marijuana.
•  Another study was conducted in 2000 by best cancer doctors in India & researchers from UCLA. Their study involved 1,000 people who had never smoked marijuana. Half of them were given marijuana while the other half acted as controls. After five years, none of the participants developed lung cancer.
•  In 2003, researchers from the University of California San Francisco published their findings. They looked at the effect of marijuana on the immune system and its ability to fight off infections. Their results showed that marijuana users were less likely to get sick compared to those who did not use pot.
•  A study conducted in 2011 by researchers from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) revealed that marijuana smokers tend to have lower levels of DNA damage than those who do not smoke marijuana. Marijuana smoke contains chemicals called cannabinoids that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Both of these properties protect our cells from free radicals and oxidative stress. Free radicals are molecules that can damage cells and cause cancer. When cells are exposed to high amounts of free radicals, they become damaged and can turn cancerous.

In conclusion

marijuana smoke contains carcinogens, but it also contains compounds that help reduce the risk of developing cancer. Therefore, if you decide to start using marijuana, make sure to consume it properly and responsibly.