What’s to Gain from No Tobacco?
28 May 2010
Western District Health Service (WDHS) Quit Educator, Cathy Armstrong said “ The team at Regional Respiratory Medicine and I have combined our efforts to raise the awareness of the benefits of not smoking, to reinforce the message that stopping is achievable, to be enjoyed and is important for wellbeing."
The World Health Organisations theme this year particularly focuses on women and tobacco use. Lung cancer accounts for the death of more than 50 Australian women each week. In 2005, Lung cancer surpassed breast cancer as the highest cause of cancer deaths amongst women.
Locally in the Southern Grampians Shire, tobacco accounts for 13.69% of all deaths, compared to 1.19% for road toll and 2.38% for alcohol related deaths. Of these lung cancer accounts for 30% of the tobacco related deaths. Quit Victoria states ‘the risk of lung cancer related to cigarette smoking increases for every cigarette smoked. Risk of lung cancer related to cigarette smoking does not reduce, let alone return to normal, after cessation of smoking; it simply stops increasing. To reduce lung cancer risk, early cessation of smoking is imperative.’
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Regional Respiratory Medicine Consultant Respiratory and Sleep Physician Dr. Andrew Bradbeer said “Chronic illness due to smoking related conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is also prevalent, greatly reducing the quality of life of many people.”
“COPD should be considered in any smoker or ex-smoker over the age of 35 with breathlessness, chronic cough and / or sputum production” he said. “A Spirometry assessment should be performed in such patients to pursue this diagnosis.” “Spirometry is highly recommended in any smoker over the age of 45 regardless of clinical symptoms, as COPD is often asymptomatic in its early stages.” Cessation of cigarette smoking does not lead to reversal of damage in COPD, it only stops getting worse. “In COPD, early cessation of cigarette smoking is imperative.”
Cessation of smoking is the first, and most important, step in treatment of COPD.
Ms Armstrong said “Quitting smoking can be one of the most difficult, yet rewarding things a person can do.” “Most smokers' say they would like to quit, and may have tried at least once. Some are successful the first time, but many other people try a number of times before they finally stop smoking for good.” “Don’t be hard on yourself, you’ll make the change when you have a store of information that you can use.”
For help trying to quit please see your local GP, call the quit line on 13 7848 (13 QUIT), visit the Quit website www.quit.org.au or enroll in a local quit course with Quit Educator Cathy Armstrong phone 55518450.
Photo: Caption: Respiratory Scientist Vanessa Mills (centre) shows WDHS Quit Educator Cathy Armstrong (right) how a Spirometry test is done with receptionist Joanne Clifford (in the booth).