National Cancer Survivor Month
Dr. Ashay Shah, Consultant - Head and Neck Surgical Oncology, HCG Aastha Cancer Centre - Ahmedabad. During National Cancer Survivor Month, it's crucial to turn our attention not only to those who have triumphed over cancer, but
Dr. Ashay Shah, Consultant – Head and Neck Surgical Oncology, HCG Aastha Cancer Centre – Ahmedabad.
During National Cancer Survivor Month, it’s crucial to turn our attention not only to those who have triumphed over cancer, but also to the preventable risks that continue to endanger lives-particularly the silent but growing threat posed by vaping and passive smoking.
Contrary to popular belief, vaping is far from a harmless habit. While marketed as a ‘safer’ alternative to cigarettes, e-cigarettes and vaping devices release aerosols that contain harmful substances, including nicotine, formaldehyde, heavy metals, and volatile organic compounds. These toxic agents can irritate the lungs, damage DNA, and set the stage for cancers of the lung, mouth, and throat.
Equally alarming is the impact of passive smoking. Non-smokers who are routinely exposed to secondhand smoke absorb the same carcinogens as active smokers. In fact, passive smoking has been linked to increased risks of lung cancer, breast cancer, and even childhood leukemia. The health of children, pregnant women, and the elderly is especially vulnerable to this invisible threat.
As cancer care providers, we often see the devastating consequences of these choices-many of which could have been prevented with greater awareness. Prevention remains one of the most powerful tools in the fight against cancer. By making informed decisions and fostering smoke-free environments, we not only protect our own health but also contribute to a safer future for generations to come.
This Cancer Survivor Month, let us celebrate life by prioritizing prevention and standing against all forms of tobacco exposure-direct or indirect.
