Uncontrollable cell growth that originates in the colon, a section of the large intestine, is known as bowel cancer.1 The colon, the first and longest part of the large intestine, plays a crucial role in the digestive system, where food breakdown and nutrient absorption occur.
Bowel cancer can develop at any age, though it is more common in older adults. It typically presents as small clusters of cells known as polyps within the colon. While most polyps are harmless, some can become cancerous over time, leading to the development of colon cancer.
Smoking is associated with 7% of bowel cancer cases in the UK. The higher number of cigarettes smoked per day is associated with an increased risk to one’s health.2 According to a study, men who smoke are more likely to develop left colon cancer, while women are more likely to develop right colon cancer. In addition, women who smoke may be more susceptible than men to rectal cancer.2
The immune system can be weakened by the toxins in cigarette smoke, making it more difficult to eradicate cancer cells and promoting their uncontrollable proliferation. Tobacco smoke contains toxins that can alter or harm a cell's DNA, which acts as an “instruction manual” to govern their regular cell growth and functioning. A cell may start growing uncontrollably and develop into a cancerous tumour when its DNA is damaged and altered.2
Many individuals with colon cancer do not initially exhibit any symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they can vary depending on the cancer's location and extent within the large intestine. Symptoms that may suggest bowel cancer include changes in bowel habits, such as more frequent diarrhoea or constipation, rectal bleeding or blood in the stool, persistent abdominal discomfort like cramps, gas, or pain, a feeling of incomplete bowel emptying during a movement, fatigue or weakness, and unexplained weight loss.1
Bowel cancer diagnosis involves the following tests and procedures:
Millions of people die from smoking-related causes each year worldwide, making it a major public health concern. According to estimated data, smoking causes about 30% of cancer-related deaths in the US annually. Additionally, smoking has been found to raise the mortality risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). Numerous studies have established a link between smoking and CRC.4
According to research, long-term smokers are far more likely to develop CRC compared to non-smokers, with an increased risk estimate ranging between 15% to 60%. Recent studies have revealed that smoking cigarettes may be a risk factor for colorectal cancer, although there was not enough data to classify the relationship as causal. Consequently, the American College of Gastroenterology’s colorectal cancer screening guidelines identify smokers as being at a higher risk.4
A study found that mice exposed to cigarette smoke had noticeably higher tumour incidence and cellular proliferation compared to smoke-free control mice.5 In mice exposed to smoke, there was a notable difference in the number of distinct bacterial species, resulting in gut microbial dysbiosis. This study showed that cigarette smoke increases colon cancer by causing gut microbial dysbiosis.5
Compared to nonsmokers, smokers have a higher risk of lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke. The risk of coronary heart disease is estimated to increase by two to four times due to smoking. Smoking lowers general health, increases work absenteeism, and raises the cost and utilisation of medical care.6
Studies reveal that, with a 20–30-year lag period, lung cancer incidence rates rise in direct proportion to rising tobacco use rates. A person's daily cigarette consumption increases the risk of lung cancer by two to five cases per 100,000 people.7 In chronic smokers, a single cigarette temporarily increases the rigidity of the arterial wall, which can damage the artery and raise the risk of plaque rupture.8
Smoking’s negative health impacts can be further exacerbated by an unhealthy diet and lack of physical activity. For instance, some studies suggest that adolescents who smoke may be less likely to engage in physical activity or consume enough calcium-rich foods and drinks.9
Several compounds in tobacco smoke are dangerous for both smokers and non-smokers. It can be dangerous to inhale even a small amount of tobacco smoke. Of the more than 7,000 compounds found in tobacco smoke, at least 250 are known to be harmful, such as ammonia, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen cyanide. Of these 250 known dangerous compounds in tobacco smoke, at least 69 of them have the potential to cause cancer.10
Some of the benefits of quitting smoking include:
Both FDA-approved medications and behavioural therapy are useful interventions that assist people in quitting smoking. A variety of nicotine replacement medicines, along with bupropion and varenicline, are approved pharmacotherapies by the FDA. Studies show that the combination of behavioural therapy and medication to help smokers quit is more effective than providing minimal intervention.13
Interventions, such as phone helplines, automated text messaging, printed self-help materials, and quick guidance from a medical professional, can help people quit smoking. Social media and mobile device-based cessation treatments have also shown promise in increasing tobacco quit rates. Treatment for quitting should be as individualised as possible because some people smoke to prevent the unpleasant side effects of withdrawal, while others are more motivated by the perceived benefits of smoking.13
Bowel cancer can be prevented or detected early, when treatment is more manageable, through the use of screening.14 Many techniques can be used to identify bowel cancer:
If bowel cancer is detected early enough, almost 90% of patients have a life expectancy of five years or more. However, if the cancer is discovered at its most advanced stage, this drops to just 1 in 10.16
In the UK, smoking is associated with 7% of incidences of bowel cancer, indicating a significant increase in risk, particularly with long-term and heavy smoking. Tobacco smoke contains carcinogens that damage DNA and impair immunity, which can result in cancer and unchecked cell development.
Bowel cancer symptoms can vary and include altered eating patterns, rectal bleeding, and discomfort in the abdomen. Blood tests, biopsies, and colonoscopies are used in diagnosis. One way to prevent this is to stop smoking, which lowers the risk of cancer and enhances general health.
Better results depend on early detection through routine tests like colonoscopies. To avoid colon cancer, it is essential to stop smoking and have screenings regularly. To lower the incidence of cancer, public health policy should encourage smoking cessation and awareness initiatives.
