5 million people die annually tobacco
A staggering statistic!
Yes, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), tobacco use is a leading cause of preventable deaths worldwide. In fact, the WHO estimates that:
- Tobacco use kills more than 7 million people each year, which is about one person every 6 seconds.
- More than 5 million of these deaths are due to direct tobacco use, while more than 890,000 are due to second-hand smoke.
- Tobacco use is responsible for about 1 in 10 deaths worldwide.
The main causes of death from tobacco use are:
- Lung cancer: Tobacco smoke contains over 70 known carcinogens, which increase the risk of lung cancer.
- Heart disease: Smoking damages the cardiovascular system and increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular diseases.
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): Smoking can cause COPD, a progressive lung disease that makes it difficult to breathe.
- Other cancers: Tobacco use is linked to an increased risk of many other types of cancer, including cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, stomach, pancreas, kidney, bladder, and cervix.
The good news is that quitting tobacco use can significantly reduce the risk of these diseases and premature death. If you or someone you know is struggling with tobacco addiction, there are many resources available to help, including:
- Nicotine replacement therapy (gum, patches, lozenges)
- Prescription medications (e.g., bupropion, varenicline)
- Counseling and support groups
- Hotlines and online resources
Remember, quitting tobacco use is a journey, and it's never too late to start.