Think back five or ten years. Chances are you knew the risks involved with smoking when you picked up your first cigarette, but since many of you started when you were in your late teens or early 20s you probably thought the consequences were a long way off. Now it’s time to get real.

“The fact is, lung cancer is the number one killer of both men and women,” says Neel Shah, Hematologist and Medical Oncologist on staff at Adventist Bolingbrook Hospital. While it’s true that environmental factors like radon or exposure to radiation could increase your risk, smoking and breathing in secondhand smoke are the biggest contributing factors to developing lung cancer. With a 20 percent rise in lung cancer among non-smokers, smoke-free city initiatives are more important than ever.

“We know what the controllable risks are. That’s why not smoking and avoiding second-hand smoke are crucial in terms of prevention,” Dr. Shah explains.

Support leads to successfully quitting
You may be tempted to quit smoking cold turkey. Don’t risk it. About 70 percent of people that try to quit smoking on their own fail. The good news is there are now more resources for smokers who want to put down the pack forever.

Treating both the physical and psychological effects of smoking works. When you’re ready to quit, try these tips to help you become an ex-smoker:
• Set a quit date (The Great American Smokeout is November 17).
• Take a smoking cessation class.
• Ask your doctor about medications that can help you quit.
• Control your stress. Go for a walk or take a regular fitness class.
• Replace your habit with a healthier option. Chew gum after a meal or snack on carrots during your 3 p.m. break.
• Avoid smoking triggers like drinking alcohol.
• Seek encouragement from friends and family.

The longer you’ve been a smoker the greater your chances for developing lung cancer, so the sooner you quit the better. “We know that counseling along with medication like Welbutrin, Chantix or Zyban increases your chance for success. The combination of a support system and medication is absolutely key,” says Dr. Shah.

Take advantage of a FREE prostate cancer screening offered through Adventist Midwest Health by calling 866-533-7968.