Multiple body parts are harmed by cigarette smoking. Smoking increases the risk of cancer and other diseases throughout the body.
Here's a breakdown of specific body parts affected:
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Lungs: Lung cancer is the most well-known risk associated with smoking. Cigarettes damage the airways and air sacs in the lungs, leading to chronic bronchitis and emphysema (COPD).
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Mouth: Smoking can cause mouth cancer, gum disease, tooth loss, and bad breath.
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Throat (Larynx): Smoking significantly increases the risk of laryngeal cancer.
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Esophagus: Smokers are at a higher risk of developing esophageal cancer.
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Pancreas: Pancreatic cancer is linked to cigarette smoking.
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Kidneys: Kidney cancer risk is elevated by smoking.
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Bladder: Smoking contributes to bladder cancer.
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Stomach: Stomach cancer is more common in smokers.
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Cervix & Ovaries (in women): Smoking increases the risk of cervical and ovarian cancer.
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Bones: Smoking can weaken bones and increase the risk of fractures.
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Heart and Blood Vessels: Smoking damages the cardiovascular system, leading to heart disease, stroke, and peripheral artery disease.
In summary, cigarette smoking has a systemic effect, damaging nearly every organ in the body and significantly increasing the risk of many different types of cancer and other diseases.