5 surprising things linked to cancer — and what to know about them
You probably know some of the most common causes of cancer, thanks to the efforts of public health campaigns. In 1964, U.S. Surgeon General Luther Terry issued the first report on smoking and health, which concluded that smoking caused lung and throat cancer as well as what's now known as COPD. After that, programs to stop smoking are estimated to have saved about 3.4 million people from dying of lung cancer. Similarly, then-Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy issued an advisory earlier this year on alcohol's link to certain types of cancer.
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Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
After October 7, 2023: Israel's smoking rates rise, worsening COPD risks
Smoking rates are growing among young Israelis, said Fridlender, an internationally renowned researcher of neutrophil white blood cells of the immune system, especially their role in lung cancer. A quarter to a third of all smokers suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease – also known as emphysema – which is an incurable lung disease causing restricted airflow and breathing problems that can make sufferers feel like they are trying to breathe underwater. But few COPD patients have ever heard of it, according to Prof. Zvi Fridlender, founding director and senior physician of the internal medicine department at the Lung Institute of Hadassah-University Medical Center in Jerusalem's Ein Kerem. He is also chairman of the Israel Association of Pulmonology. COPD is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide, responsible for almost four million annually, or 5% of the total. Tobacco smoking and second- and third-hand smoking (exposure to other's smoke or toxins on rugs, curtains, and furniture) accounts for over 70% of COPD cases in high-income countries, with symptoms including coughing, sometimes with phlegm, difficulty breathing, wheezing, and tiredness. Many sufferers can't even walk a hundred meters and have to be constantly attached to oxygen tanks. Patients are at higher risk of other health problems such as lung cancer, lung infections, heart problems, weak muscles, brittle bones, and depression and anxiety. 'We have plenty of laws. Anyone who is caught smoking in public places should be getting a NIS 1,000 fine, but they aren't caught,' Fridlender told The Jerusalem Post. 'The laws aren't enforced by the authorities – the police and the municipalities. There are few effective information campaigns, and taxes on tobacco – cigarettes, rolling tobacco, and electronic cigarettes – must be very high to deter young smokers,' he said. 'While in other countries like the UK, once a law is passed, it is usually honored. Here it is more like a recommendation that is very often ignored.' ANTI-SMOKING activists are furious at Sharon Kedmi, chairman of the Israel Aviation Authority, for canceling the prohibition of smoking rooms in the airports. This violated the authority's commitment to a court in a class action suit filed by Amos Hausner, lead lawyer for the Israel Association for the Prevention of Smoking. The longtime anti-tobacco attorney is currently demanding that the courts prohibit smoking on balconies of apartment buildings or other locations that exposes non-smokers to their neighbors' smoke. In California, 101 local authorities have already completely banned smoking in multi-unit homes, and since 2018, it has been totally prohibited in all federal multi-unit buildings. Smoking rates are growing among young Israelis, said Fridlender, an internationally renowned researcher of neutrophil white blood cells of the immune system, especially their role in lung cancer. He has also been a member of the international body that sets guidelines for the treatment of COPD. 'While smoking rates have significantly declined in the US, Europe, and elsewhere, it has increased in Israel since the Iron Swords War began on October 7, 2023,' he said. Prof. Neville Berkman, who heads the lung institute at Hadassah, added that it's not only smokers who are at health risk. 'People who themselves don't light up think they're safe, but many of them are exposed to lethal tobacco smoke by inhaling it from smokers in the family, at work, and in public spaces,' he said. Electronic cigarettes (e-cigs) also cause lung cancer, which is the main cause of death from cancers in Israel, Berkman said, adding that people who start smoking them, especially young people, tend to move on to smoking regular cigarettes. 'There is behavioral addiction, not just a physical one. They are used to having something in their mouths. Younger smokers may do it to show off, to show they are grown up,' he said. 'Smoking should be recognized by society as an unacceptable practice. Religious Jews who don't smoke on Shabbat (although some use nicotine patches then) prove that it's also behavioral, because they can stop one day a week,' the lung institute's head said. 'The rabbis must tell them that smoking – causing harm to your own body and the health of others – is forbidden according to Jewish law.' SMOKERS WHO cough or have other symptoms can ask for a low-radiation-dose CT scan every year, said Berkman. 'It's in the basket of health services provided by the public health funds, which recognize the fact that treating their members for lung cancer and COPD is more expensive.' The last decade has seen significant improvement in treatment of lung cancer, he continued. 'There are biological therapies – pills and injections – that increase survival rates, but these are not pleasant to undergo, as they have side effects,' he stressed. Biological therapies for lung cancer, also known as targeted therapies and immunotherapies, are treatments that use substances produced by living organisms or are designed to target and destroy cancer cells. Immunotherapy works by boosting the immune system's ability to recognize and destroy cancer cells, either by directly attacking them or by helping other immune cells do so. Drugs that alter the immune system can also be effective. These therapies aim to enhance the body's natural defenses against cancer, block cancer growth, or prevent the spread of cancer. 'The earlier the stage of the disease, the better. If the cancer is advanced, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and other treatments are available, but if they also have COPD, most can't undergo surgery to remove the tumor,' Berkman said. The most important thing is prevention – by not starting to smoke in the first place, he said, adding that if they do start, there are free cessation courses from their health fund, behavioral therapy, phone apps, and drugs that reduce the urge to smoke – 'and the Health Ministry offers a telephone support system.' THE 2024 report on smoking issued by the Health Ministry found that one in five adult Israelis smokes, and the Israeli rate is significantly higher than the global average, and said that E-cigs are a leading smoking product among youth. Quitting smoking here is occurring at a rate 50% lower than the OECD average. Although the ministry has finally approved regulations for putting graphic health warnings on smoking products and barring tax-free status for tobacco at airports – two decades after Israel committed itself to doing so under the World Health Organization's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control – it is giving companies a year or two to implement them. An in-depth survey conducted with youth for the ministry shows that the electronic cigarette is the first product tried by about 53% of all those experimenting with products. It was also found that very high numbers of youth use smoking products with added flavors – 88% for hookahs, 82% for electronic cigarettes, and 45% for regular cigarettes and rolling tobacco. The first survey of its kind, conducted among young people in haredi (ultra-Orthodox) society, shows high rates of experimenting with smoking products: 54% in their yeshivot for teens and 80% among haredi teenagers who drop out of religious studies. The latest Smoking Report shows that during the past year, 82 local and regional authorities and councils also reported on activity under the Smoking Prevention Law in Public Places – but more than 65% of local authorities don't report to the ministry or enforce the law, and no government action is taking against them. Sign up for the Health & Wellness newsletter >>
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Wildfire smoke has caused air quality in southern Ontario and Quebec to plummet — 8 best AHAM-certified air purifiers
As wildfires continue to rage throughout Western Canada, thousands of residents of Manitoba, Alberta and Saskatchewan have been evacuated, and millions in the surrounding areas face hazardous air quality conditions. Manitoba, the epicentre of the wildfires, remains under a province-wide state of emergency as extreme fire conditions force thousands to flee. Premier Wab Kinew has called it Manitoba's "largest evacuation" in living memory. More than 17,000 Manitobans have been evacuated, along with over 4,000 people in Alberta and between 10,000 and 15,000 residents in Saskatchewan. Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe declared a province-wide state of emergency on May 29, one day after his Manitoba counterpart, Kinew, did the same. Smoke from the Canadian wildfires has triggered air quality warnings in several provinces and surrounding U.S. states. As of Friday, June 6, much of southern Ontario and southern Quebec, including Toronto, Ottawa and Montréal, have been placed under special air quality alerts. As of 12:43 p.m. EST on Friday., IQAir, a Swiss technology company, ranked Toronto as the city with the second-worst air quality in the world and Montréal as the third-worst. On days with poor air quality, people are more likely to experience shortness of breath, difficulty breathing and coughing or wheezing — especially if they have a chronic respiratory disease like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The small particles in wildfire smoke can get into your eyes and bloodstream, and if you have a heart or lung problem, you may experience problems earlier and at lower smoke levels. According to Health Canada, using a portable air purifier that can filter fine particles is one way to protect your indoor environment from smoke pollution. Air purifiers, also known as air cleaners, can improve indoor air quality by removing small contaminants that can harm your health. According to the health authority, you should prioritize the following when choosing an air purifier: Look for a device certified by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM). Choose an air purifier sized appropriately for the room you want to put it in. Consider the clean air delivery rate (CADR) for the room size. The CADR describes how well the device reduces tobacco smoke, dust, pollen and wildfire smoke. To reduce fine particles, select a device with the highest CADR. Choose an air purifier with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. Avoid devices that produce ozone. Not all air purifiers are made equal. Following Health Canada's recommendations, we've listed eight AHAM-certified air purifiers and included information about recommended room sizes and CADR ratings. Room Size: 47 ft2 Tobacco Smoke CADR: 30 Dust CADR: 41 PM2.5 CADR: 35 Pollen CADR: 52 Volts / Frequency: 120V / 60Hz Room Size: 201 ft2 Tobacco Smoke CADR: 112 Dust CADR: 112 Pollen CADR: 112 Volts / Frequency: 100V / 50Hz | 240V / 60Hz Room Size: 140 ft2 Tobacco Smoke CADR: 90 Dust CADR: 101 PM2.5 CADR: 95 Pollen CADR: 119 Volts / Frequency: 120V / 60Hz Room Size: 170 ft2 Tobacco Smoke CADR: 110 Dust CADR: 120 Pollen CADR: 130 Volts / Frequency: 120V / 60Hz Room Size: 206 ft2 Tobacco Smoke CADR: 133 Dust CADR: 141 Pollen CADR: 145 Volts / Frequency: 120V / 60Hz Room Size: 200 ft2 Tobacco Smoke CADR: 132 Dust CADR: 130 Pollen CADR: 152 Volts / Frequency: 120V / 60Hz Room Size: 250 ft2 Tobacco Smoke CADR: 161 Dust CADR: 160 Pollen CADR: 170 Volts / Frequency: 120V / 60Hz Room Size: 358 ft2 Tobacco Smoke CADR: 231 Dust CADR: 240 PM2.5 CADR: 236 Pollen CADR: 259 Volts / Frequency: 120V / 60Hz
Newsweek
2 days ago
- Newsweek
Cities Most at Risk for Rise in Heart Attacks as Canadian Wildfires Burn
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Some residents of several major cities in the Midwest could face an increased risk of heart attack and stroke as smoke from Canadian wildfires continues to descend into the United States this week. "Exposure to particulate matter air pollution causes inflammation in the lungs. This can manifest as worsening of respiratory symptoms, particularly in people with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease," Dr. Scott Budinger, the chief of pulmonary and critical care in the Department of Medicine at Northwestern University, told Newsweek. "[E]ven more importantly, exposure to particulate matter air pollution acutely increases the risk of heart attacks or strokes," he added. Why It Matters The widespread drift of wildfire smoke from Canada into U.S. metropolitan areas carries significant public health implications. Medical research has documented an association between exposure to fine particulate pollution (PM2.5) and acute increases in heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular events. Vulnerable groups, particularly people living with coronary artery disease, histories of heart attacks or strokes, and chronic respiratory illness, are at elevated risk. With urban centers housing millions, the threat is not only environmental but medical, affecting emergency room capacities and potentially increasing mortality rates. Previous wildfire smoke events, such as those seen in 2023, have already demonstrated the potential for widespread air quality degradation and related health emergencies across city populations. What To Know Smoke from Canadian wildfires has degraded air quality across the Upper Midwest for over a week. The smoke has even reached the U.S. Gulf Coast, where it had less of an impact on physical health. At least eight states were under air quality alerts on Thursday morning, with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) AirNow map showing the current Air Quality Index as "unhealthy" in areas such as Chicago, Illinois, and Lansing and Grand Rapids, Michigan. This AQI is unhealthy for everyone to breathe. A map from the U.S. EPA's AirNow shows cities with unhealthy air quality as of Thursday morning at 11 a.m. Eastern time. A map from the U.S. EPA's AirNow shows cities with unhealthy air quality as of Thursday morning at 11 a.m. Eastern time. AirNow The less severe but still impactful Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups AQI was much more widespread, stretching across parts of Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, and into the Northeast, including Maine and New York. Wildfire smoke contains high concentrations of PM2.5—fine particulate matter that can enter the lungs and bloodstream. Exposure is linked to worsening symptoms in those with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but acute cardiovascular risks, including heart attacks and strokes, may be even more pronounced. City populations face greater danger when air pollution is trapped near the surface during stagnant weather conditions. In some instances, people were asked to monitor themselves for symptoms such as coughing during the poor air quality event. If coughs persist for more than seven days or are accompanied by shortness of breath, people should visit their doctor or seek more urgent care if necessary. People are urged to remain indoors and keep their windows closed to prevent exposure. What People Are Saying Dr. Scott Budinger, the chief of pulmonary and critical care in the Department of Medicine at Northwestern University, told Newsweek: "People who have known blockages in their arteries or a history of heart attacks or strokes and people with chronic lung diseases like asthma and COPD should avoid exposure. They should also be vigilant about taking all of the prescribed medications for their disease." Budinger added: "You can reduce the risk of exposure by staying indoors with the windows closed. Indoor levels of particulate matter air pollution are typically much lower than those outside in a heated or air conditioned home or business—as much as 10 times less. For example, it might be better to take a walk in a health club or mall rather than outside if the particulate levels are high." An air quality alert issued in Michigan: "It is recommended that, when possible, you avoid strenuous outdoor activities, especially those with heart disease and respiratory diseases like asthma. Monitor for symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, dizziness, or burning in nose, throat, and eyes. Reduce or eliminate activities that contribute to air pollution, such as outdoor burning, and use of residential wood burning devices." What Happens Next Air quality alerts remained in effect in many cities in the Upper Midwest through the end of the week, with meteorologists forecasting that wildfire smoke could persist for several more days. Public health officials continue to advise at-risk populations in major cities to closely monitor advisories, limit outdoor activities during high-pollution periods, and use indoor air filtration.
