How many years would you have to smoke to get lung cancer?

Similar questions: years smoke lung cancer.

Even one cigarette increases your chaces of getting lung cancer by many fold Health Effects of SmokingAbout half of all Americans who continue to smoke will die because of the habit. Each year about 440,000 people die in the United States from illnesses related to cigarette smoking. Cigarettes kill more Americans than alcohol, car accidents, suicide, AIDS, homicide, and illegal drugs combined.

CancerCigarette smoking accounts for at least 30% of all cancer deaths. It is a major cause of cancers of the lung, larynx (voice box), oral cavity, pharynx (throat), esophagus, and bladder, and is a contributing cause in the development of cancers of the pancreas, cervix, kidney, stomach, and also some leukemias. About 87% of lung cancer deaths are caused by smoking.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among both men and women, and is one of the most difficult cancers to treat. Fortunately, lung cancer is largely a preventable disease. Groups that promote nonsmoking as part of their religion, such as Mormons and Seventh-day Adventists, have much lower rates of lung cancer and other smoking-related cancers.

Other Health ProblemsCancers account for only about half of the deaths related to smoking. Smoking is also a major cause of heart disease, aneurysms, bronchitis, emphysema, and stroke, and it contributes to the severity of pneumonia and asthma. Tobacco also has damaging effects on women's reproductive health.It is associated with reduced fertility and a higher risk of miscarriage, early delivery (prematurity), stillbirth, infant death, and is a cause of low birth weight in infants.

It has also been linked to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Smoking has also been linked to a variety of other health problems, including gum disease, cataracts, bone thinning, hip fractures, and peptic ulcers. Furthermore, the smoke from cigarettes (called secondhand smoke or environmental tobacco smoke) has a harmful health effect on those exposed to it.

(Refer to the American Cancer Society documents, "Secondhand Smoke" and "Women and Smoking. ")Effects on Quantity and Quality of LifeBased on data collected from 1995 to 1999, the CDC estimated that adult male smokers lost an average of 13.2 years of life and female smokers lost 14.5 years of life because of smoking. But not all of the health problems related to smoking result in deaths.

Smoking harms nearly every organ of the body, causing many diseases and reducing the health of smokers in general. In the year 2000, about 8.6 million people were suffering from at least one chronic disease due to current or former smoking, according to the CDC. Many of these people were suffering from more than one smoking-related condition.

The diseases occurring most often were chronic bronchitis, emphysema, heart attacks, strokes, and cancer. Sources: http://www.cancer.org/docroot/PED/content/PED_10_2X_Cigarette_Smoking.asp?sitearea=PED .

Nobody knows for sure..... I know of some patients who smoked two packs a day for thirty years (60 pack years) and still don't have lung cancer,(although emphysema and COPD aren't anything to shrug off either. ) On the other hand,a lot of people who never smoked are getting lung cancer. There are too many variables to consider to come up with an absolute answer here.

Best bet, DECREASE YOUR CHANCES of getting lung cancer and QUIT SMOKING! Those people that end up not dying face a miserable existence, fighting for every breath and imminently dying in some hospital bed while they're distraught family watches. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Fact Sheet (Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysema) August 2006 Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a term referring to two lung diseases, chronic bronchitis and emphysema, that are characterized by obstruction to airflow that interferes with normal breathing.

Both of these conditions frequently co-exist, hence physicians prefer the term COPD. It does not include other obstructive diseases such as asthma. COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in America, claiming the lives of 122,283 Americans in 2003 and the number of women dying from the disease has surpassed the number seen in men.1 This is the fourth consecutive year in which women have exceeded men in the number of deaths attributable to COPD.In 2003, over 63,000 females died compared to 59,000 males.2 Smoking is the primary risk factor for COPD.

Approximately 80 to 90 percent of COPD deaths are caused by smoking. Female smokers are nearly 13 times as likely to die from COPD as women who have never smoked. Male smokers are nearly 12 times as likely to die from COPD as men who have never smoked.3 Other risk factors of COPD include air pollution, second-hand smoke, history of childhood respiratory infections and heredity.

Occupational exposure to certain industrial pollutants also increases the odds for COPD. A recent study found that the fraction of COPD attributed to work was estimated as 19.2% overall and 31.1% among never smokers.4 In 2004, 11.4 million U.S.Adults (aged 18 and over) were estimated to have COPD.5 However, close to 24 million U.S. Adults have evidence of impaired lung function, indicating an under diagnosis of COPD.6 An estimated 638,000 hospital discharges were reported; a discharge rate of 21.8 per 100,000 population. COPD is an important cause of hospitalization in our aged population.

Approximately 65% of discharges were in the 65 years and older population in 2004.7 In 2004, the cost to the nation for COPD was approximately $37.2 billion, including healthcare expenditures of $20.9 billion in direct health care expenditures, $7.4 billion in indirect morbidity costs and $8.9 billion in indirect mortality costs.8 Chronic bronchitis is the inflammation and eventual scarring of the lining of the bronchial tubes. When the bronchi are inflamed and/or infected, less air is able to flow to and from the lungs and a heavy mucus or phlegm is coughed up. The condition is defined by the presence of a mucus-producing cough most days of the month, three months of a year for two successive years without other underlying disease to explain the cough.

This inflammation eventually leads to scarring of the lining of the bronchial tubes. Once the bronchial tubes have been irritated over a long period of time, excessive mucus is produced constantly, the lining of the bronchial tubes becomes thickened, an irritating cough develops, and air flow may be hampered, the lungs become scarred. The bronchial tubes then make an ideal breeding place for bacterial infections within the airways, which eventually impedes airflow.9 In 2004, an estimated 9 million Americans reported a physician diagnosis of chronic bronchitis.

Chronic bronchitis affects people of all ages, but is higher in those over 45 years old.10 Females are more than twice as likely to be diagnosed with chronic bronchitis as males. In 2004, 2.8 million males had a diagnosis of chronic bronchitis compared to 6.3 million females.11 Symptoms of chronic bronchitis include chronic cough, increased mucus, frequent clearing of the throat and shortness of breath.12 Chronic bronchitis doesn't strike suddenly and is often neglected by individuals until it is in an advanced state, because people mistakenly believe that the disease is not life-threatening.By the time a patient goes to his or her doctor the lungs have frequently been seriously injured. Then the patient may be in danger of developing serious respiratory problems or heart failure.

Emphysema begins with the destruction of air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs where oxygen from the air is exchanged for carbon dioxide in the blood. The walls of the air sacs are thin and fragile. Damage to the air sacs is irreversible and results in permanent "holes" in the tissues of the lower lungs.

As air sacs are destroyed, the lungs are able to transfer less and less oxygen to the bloodstream, causing shortness of breath. The lungs also lose their elasticity, which is important to keep airways open. The patient experiences great difficulty exhaling.13 Emphysema doesn't develop suddenly.

It comes on very gradually. Years of exposure to the irritation of cigarette smoke usually precede the development of emphysema. Of the estimated 3.6 million Americans ever diagnosed with emphysema, 91 percent were 45 or older.14 Of the emphysema sufferers, 54.8 percent are male and 45.2 percent are female.

However, within in the past year, the prevalence rate for women has seen a 20 percent increase where as men have seen a decreased of 19 percent.15 Symptoms of emphysema include cough, shortness of breath and a limited exercise tolerance. Diagnosis is made by pulmonary function tests, along with the patient's history, examination and other tests.16 Alpha1 antitrypsin deficiency-related (AAT) emphysema is caused by the inherited deficiency of a protein called alpha1-antitrypsin (AAT) or alpha1-protease inhibitor. AAT, produced by the liver, is a "lung protector.

" In the absence of AAT, emphysema is almost inevitable.It is responsible for 5% or less of the emphysema in the United States.17 An estimated 100,000 Americans, primarily of northern European descent, have AAT deficiency emphysema. Another 25 million Americans carry a single deficient gene that causes Alpha-1 and may pass the gene onto their children.18 Symptoms of AAT deficiency emphysema usually begin between 32 and 41 years of age and include shortness of breath and decreased exercise capacity. Smoking significantly increases the severity of emphysema in AAT-deficient individuals.19 Blood screening is primarily used to diagnose whether a person is a carrier or AAT-deficient.

If children are diagnosed as AAT-deficient through blood screening, they may undergo a liver transplant.20 In addition, a DNA-based cheek swab test has been recently developed for the diagnosis of AAT-deficiency.21 A recent study suggested that there are at least 116 million carriers among all racial groups, worldwide.22 COPD Treatment The quality of life for a person suffering from COPD diminishes as the disease progresses. At the onset, there is minimal shortness of breath. People with COPD may eventually require supplemental oxygen and may have to rely on mechanical respiratory assistance.23 A recent American Lung Association survey revealed that half of all COPD patients (51%) say their condition limits their ability to work.It also limits them in normal physical exertion (70%), household chores (56%), social activities (53%), sleeping (50%) and family activities (46%).24 None of the existing medications for COPD has been shown to modify the long-term decline in lung function that is the hallmark of this disease.

Therefore, the goal of pharmacotherapy for COPD is to provide relief of symptoms and prevent complications and/or progression of the disease with a minimum of side effects.25 Bronchodilator medications (prescription drugs that relax and open air passages in the lungs) are central to the symptomatic management of COPD. They can be inhaled as aerosol sprays or taken orally.26 Additional treatment includes antibiotics, oxygen therapy, and systemic glucocorticosteroids. The efficacy of inhaled glucocorticosteroids continues to be under study, however short-term benefit has been demonstrated.

Chronic treatment with systemic steroids involves the risk of serious side effects; therefore these are used mostly for acute exacerbations.27 Pneumonia and influenza vaccines should be given to COPD patients.28 Those with COPD should also live a healthy lifestyle by exercising, avoiding cigarette smoke and other air pollutants, and eating well.29 Pulmonary rehabilitation is a preventive health-care program provided by a team of health professionals to help people cope physically, psychologically, and socially with COPD.30 Lung transplantation is being performed in increasing numbers and may be an option for people who suffer from severe emphysema. Additionally, lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) has shown promise and is being performed with increasing frequency. However, a recent study found that emphysema patients who have severe lung obstruction with either limited ability to exchange gas when breathing or damage that is evenly distributed throughout their lungs are at high risk of death from the procedure.31 In August 2003, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that they intend to cover LVRS for people with non-high risk severe emphysema, who meet the criteria stated in the National Emphysema Treatment Trial (NETT).

In addition, CMS has decided that LVRS is "reasonable and necessary" only for qualified patients that undergo therapy before and after the surgery. CMS is currently composing accreditation standards for LVRS facilities and will use these standards to determine where the surgery will be covered.32 Treatments for AAT deficiency emphysema including AAT replacement therapy (a life-long process) and gene therapy are currently being evaluated.It is hoped that a clinical trial on gene therapy will take place within the decade.33 For help with treatment decisions online, click through the COPD Lung Profiler™. For more information on COPD, please review the Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysema Morbidity and Mortality Trend Report in the Data and Statistics section of our website or call the American Lung Association at 1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872).

Sources: 1. National Center for Health Statistics. Report of Final Mortality Statistics, 2003.

2.Ibid.3.U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Health Consequences of Smoking. A Report of the Surgeon General, 2004.4. Hnizdo E.

, Sullivan, PA, Bang KM and G.Wagner. Association between COPD and Employment by Industry and Occupation in the US Population: A Study of Data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. American Journal of Epidemiology.Vol.156 (8), 2002.5. National Center for Health Statistics.

Raw Data from the National Health Interview Survey, U.S. , 2003.(Analysis by the American Lung Association, Using SPSS and SUDAAN software). 6. Mannino DM, Homa DM, Akinbami L, et al. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Surveillance - U.S., 1997-2000.

Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.Vol.51 (SS06); 1-16.7. National Center for Health Statistics. National Health Interview Survey, 2004.8.National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, Morbidity and Mortality Chartbook, 2004.9. American Thoracic Society. Standards for Diagnosis and Care of Patients with COPD.

American Journal of Respiratory Care Medicine. Vol.152 pp. S77-S120, 1995.10. National Center for Health Statistics.

Raw Data from the National Health Interview Survey, U.S. , 2003.(Analysis by the American Lung Association, Using SPSS and SUDAAN software).11.Ibid. 12. American Thoracic Society.

Standards for Diagnosis and Care of Patients with COPD. American Journal of Respiratory Care Medicine.Vol.152 pp. S77-S120, 1998/16/067.Ibid.14.

National Center for Health Statistics. Raw Data from the National Health Interview Survey, U.S., 2003.(Analysis by the American Lung Association, Using SPSS and SUDAAN software).15. Ibid.16.

American Thoracic Society. Standards for Diagnosis and Care of Patients with COPD. American Journal of Respiratory Care Medicine.Vol.152 pp.

S77-S120, 1998/16/068. American Thoracic Society. Standards for the Diagnosis and Management of Individuals with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency.

American Journal of Respiratory Care Medicine.Vol.168 pp.818-900, 208/16/069. Alpha1 Network. What is Alpha-1?

Available at: www.alphaone.org. Accessed on 8/16/06. 19.

American Thoracic Society. Standards for the Diagnosis and Management of Individuals with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency. American Journal of Respiratory Care Medicine.

Vol.168 pp.818-900, 2003.20.Ibid.21. Alpha 1 Network. Press Release: LabCorp Announces New Non-invasive Swab Test for Alpha1-Antitrypsin Deficiency.

May 2004.22. Frederick J. De Serres.

Worldwide Racial and Ethnic Distribution of 1-Antitrypsin Deficiency: Summary of an Analysis of Published Genetic Epidemiologic Surveys.Chest. Vol.122 pp.1818/16/067, 208/16/068. Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Global Strategy for the Diagnosis, Management and Prevention of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, 2003.Www.goldcopd. Com 24. Confronting COPD in America, 2000.

Schulman, Ronca and Bucuvalas, Inc.(SRBI) Funded by Glaxo Smith Kline. 28/16/069. Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Global Strategy for the Diagnosis, Management and Prevention of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, 2003. Www.goldcopd. Com 31.

National Emphysema Treatment Trial Research Group. Patients at gh Risk of Death after Lung-Volume-Reduction Surgery. New England Journal of Medicine.Vol.345(15) pp.1075-1083, 2001 32.

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Decision Memo for Lung Volume Reduction Surgery (CAG00115R) www.cms.hhs.gov/mcd/viewdecisionmemo.asp?id=96..33. American Thoracic Society.

Standards for the Diagnosis and Management of Individuals with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency. American Journal of Respiratory Care Medicine.Vol.168 pp. 818-900, 2003.

*Racial and ethnic minority terminology reflects those terms used by the Centers For Disease Control. Sources: Experience .

None or 100 Some people get lung cancer without having ever smoked even 1 cigarette. Other people smoke for 50 years and never contract lung cancer. But the propesity for lung cancer does increase with increased smoking.So, no exact answer, but it is best to avoid smoking, and if you do smoke, it is best to quit.

Everyone is different George Burns smoked cigars until his death. Another person quit smoking thirty years ago and still died of lung cancer. I believe its what they say.

Its how the body can repair cellular damage in the smooth cells of the lung. Everyone is different. But,as we get older the body cant repair cellular damage as fast thus,we get cells that replicate into cancer cells.

But,if I could hazard a guess. I would say you have to take how many packs a day a person smokes multiply by at least 10 years. I could be wrong.

But,in Biology class I remember 10-12 years being the cutoff. But that was 30 years ago. Hope this helps .

It's different for everyone I knew a guy who smoked about a quarter pack a day for three years and recently died from lung tumors. He started when he was 25 and died at 30, after two years of not smoking (he quit when he was diagnosed, but it was too late).

The book is about a artist living in paris who goes to take care of her father who has lung cancer in south carolina. " "What will happen to me if I smoke weed that is years old & has been kept in a sealed plastic bag? " "How much does smoking increase your chance of getting lung cancer?" "how does yoga help treat addictions?

" "Do you smoke, and if so, why? " "Very serious question. A person in our family has passed away from lung cancer.

Where do I bring the floral arrangement? " "What do you like to smoke?" "My friend has "Stage IV" lung cancer and his only option is chemotherapy. Why bother?

" "if a person is sufferring from lung cancer then will it spread to me also" "Where can I get ahold of Gleevac, the "miracle" pill shown today on the Dr. Oz show, for my cat, who has lung cancer?

The book is about a artist living in paris who goes to take care of her father who has lung cancer in south carolina.

Very serious question. A person in our family has passed away from lung cancer. Where do I bring the floral arrangement?

My friend has "Stage IV" lung cancer and his only option is chemotherapy. Why bother?

If a person is sufferring from lung cancer then will it spread to me also.

I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.