How does smoking affect the risk of laryngeal cancer?
November 5, 2023 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Andrea Schlosser
Dear Sir or Madam,
My name is Irmgard Schlüter and I am reaching out to you because I am very concerned about my health risk. There have been several cases of cancer in my family and I am wondering if my smoking behavior increases the risk of laryngeal cancer.
I have been smoking for many years and I am aware that smoking is one of the main causes of various types of cancer. I have made several unsuccessful attempts to quit smoking and now I am wondering if it is already too late to reduce the risk of laryngeal cancer.
I have already read about the potential consequences of smoking on my health, but I would like to know from you as experts in the field of oncology how much smoking actually increases the risk of laryngeal cancer. Are there specific early detection measures that I should take to detect and treat a possible illness early on?
I want to do everything possible to protect my health and minimize the risk of laryngeal cancer. Please provide me with advice and recommendations on how I can change my lifestyle to improve my health and reduce the risk of this type of cancer.
Thank you in advance for your time and support.
Sincerely,
Irmgard Schlüter
Dear Ms. Schlüter,
Thank you for your message and your trust in my expertise as an oncologist. It is understandable that you are concerned about your health risk due to your family history and smoking behavior. I would be happy to address your questions in detail.
Smoking is indeed one of the main risk factors for developing laryngeal cancer. Studies have shown that smokers have a significantly higher risk of developing laryngeal cancer than non-smokers. The harmful effects of smoking on health not only affect the lungs but can also contribute to cancer in other organs, such as the larynx.
However, it is never too late to quit smoking and reduce the risk of laryngeal cancer. Even after many years of smoking, the body can benefit from the positive effects of quitting smoking. Quitting smoking significantly lowers the risk of cancer and other serious health problems.
When it comes to early detection measures for laryngeal cancer, it is important to undergo regular medical examinations. Your general practitioner or ENT specialist can help you detect any changes in the larynx early on. If you notice symptoms such as persistent hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, or pain when speaking, it is important to have them medically evaluated promptly.
To protect your health and minimize the risk of laryngeal cancer, it is crucial to quit smoking. Additionally, you can positively influence your lifestyle through a healthy diet, regular exercise, and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption. A balanced lifestyle can help strengthen your immune system and reduce the risk of cancer.
I recommend seeking professional support to quit smoking successfully in the long term. Your general practitioner can help you take appropriate measures to quit smoking and improve your health.
I hope that my information and recommendations are helpful to you and I am happy to assist with any further questions. Thank you for taking care of your health and all the best on your journey to a healthier life.
Kind regards,
Andrea Schlosser
