News You Can Use A monthly newsletter from the Cancer Learning Center November 2008 – Issue 40


Smoking? Quit Now! Everybody knows tobacco smoking is dangerous. The Surgeon General’s warning says so right on the label: “Smoking causes lung cancer, heart disease, emphysema, and may complicate pregnancy.” Smoking also causes cancers of the mouth and throat, pancreas, kidney, cervix, stomach, and bladder as well as certain types of leukemia.


Another Surgeon General’s cigarette label offers a positive message: “Quitting smoking now greatly reduces serious risks to your health.” If you are a smoker, the best way to prevent lung cancer is to quit.


When you quit smoking, the benefits begin within hours as your body starts to heal. It doesn’t take long for the day- to-day benefits to outweigh cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Ten years after quitting, your risk of dying from lung cancer is reduced by half. Even for long- time smokers, the risk of smoking-related health problems drops significantly within a few years of quitting.


Many methods are available to help you quit smoking, so you can choose what works best for you. Some methods gradually cut back on cigarettes, leading up to a final quit day. Others take the “cold turkey” approach of picking a day and quitting. Over-the-counter and prescription medications can also be helpful; discuss them with your health care provider.


Each quitting method has its pros and cons so it is important to choose based on


Thinking about quitting? Take the next step— make a plan to quit smoking. You’ll benefit almost immediately!


what will work best for you. Understanding what “triggers” you to smoke and finding alternative activities and rewards is important to your success in quitting.


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Linda B. and Robert B. Wiggins Wellness Center


Fitness activities


for current and former patients and their families


Yoga classes


Tuesdays 5—6 p.m. Fridays 10—11 a.m.


For more information, call the Wellness Center at 801-587-4585


The Cancer Learning Center (CLC) is a free resource library on the first floor of


Huntsman Cancer Institute


801-581-6365 • 1-888-424-2100 huntsmancancer.org/clc


NEW FROM THE CLC Books


Smoking 101: An Overview for Teens by Margaret O. Hyde


The Berenstain Bear Scouts and the Sinister Smoke Ring by Stan Berenstain


Helping a Loved One Live Smoke-Free by Barbara White Melin


The Tao of Quitting Smoking by Joseph P. Weaver


Videos


Butt Out!: The Proven Quit Smoking Plan by Dr. Alan Xenakis


Women and Tobacco: Seven Deadly Myths


CDC & Christy Turlington


Quit to Live: Fighting Lung Cancer ABC News


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