How smoking tobacco affects the risk of asbestos-associated cancers

Tobacco smoke contains over seventy known cancer-causing chemicals called carcinogens, which significantly increases the likelihood of developing asbestos-associated cancers. When a person who has been exposed to asbestos starts smoking, their body receives a double dose of harmful substances - both the toxic mineral fibers and the toxins present in cigarette smoke. This synergistic effect greatly enhances the probability of developing malignant tumors, specifically mesothelioma and lung cancer. The good news is that quitting smoking even later in life can reduce the risk of lung cancer. Research shows that former smokers with a history of asbestos exposure had a lower incidence rate of lung cancer compared to those who continued smoking. Quitting smoking eliminates one of the major contributing elements responsible for the development of asbestos-related diseases, giving the individual’s immune system a chance to counteract any potential damage caused by earlier asbestos exposures. It’s never too late to make positive changes to your health! It is crucial to keep in mind that while quitting smoking lowers the risk of lung cancer, it cannot completely eliminate the danger associated with asbestos exposure. If you believe you were previously exposed to this hazardous material, it is advisable to get checked by a medical specialist to monitor your respiratory health and detect any signs of disease early enough for effective treatment.