Reducing Tobacco-Related Harm: Lung Cancer - Term Paper Example

Reducing Tobacco-Related harm: Lung Cancer An example of a health issue related to tobacco use is lung cancer. Introduction The use o tobacco has been associated with a number of illnesses. An example of such an illness is lung cancer. A person who smokes tobacco in large quantities also inhales nicotine which is a major cancer contributing chemical. The increased use of tobacco by most people in Australia has resulted into high cases of cancer and it has been necessary to ensure this problem is addressed. This paper illustrates the impact of lung cancer in Australia due to tobacco use as well as illustrating intervention strategies that can be implemented so that impact of tobacco in contributing to lung cancer is reduced. Significance of the health issue in Australia Lung cancer prevention due to tobacco smoking is of great significance in Australia. This is because it has been observed that it has been observed to be among the leading cause of death for both men and women in Australia. In addition, the understanding of the issue will enable formulation of strategies of controlling the increase in cases of lung cancer as a result of tobacco use in Australia. It is also claimed that in addition to lung cancer, the use of tobacco exacerbates the risk of cancers of the mouth, lips, sinuses and larynx, esophagus, stomach, kidney, bladder, cervix, uterus and colon (Bowman and Walsh 2013). In Australia, it is estimated that the use of tobacco contributes to 1 in 7 deaths. This is a high death rate when an annual tally is considered. A study conducted on cancer deaths in Australia shows that tobacco use contributes to at least 30% of all cancer deaths, resulting in 87% of lung cancer deaths in men as well as 70% of cancer deaths in women. Studies have also shown that each year, an estimated 3400 non-smoking adults in Australia die as a result of cancer due to second hand smoking of tobacco. Comparison of various causes of death has resulted into the observation that it is a leading cause of death compared with colon, prostate, ovarian or other forms of cancers combined. In addition, lung cancer has been associated with increased coughing and inflammation of lungs so that the affected person is unable to absorb enough oxygen into the body (Cancer Australia 2011). This is because the effectiveness of alveoli to absorb oxygen from the inhales air is significantly affected. People who smoke are subjected to greatest risk of developing cancer and the risk of cancer development is determined by the length of time and number of cigarettes smoked by a person. When a person quits smoking, chances of developing lung cancer can be greatly reduced. Tobacco smoking has been considered to be the most ranked facto that contributes to lung cancer. This results when smoke from inhaled tobacco damaged the alveoli thus affecting breathing functions. Consequently, this paper will be important in understanding strategies of managing tobacco smoking so that lung cancer is reduced. Determinants related to lung cancer An example of a determinant related to lung cancer is biological is that a person who is born from a family where there are cases of cancer has a high possibility of developing lung cancer even if the person is not exposed to tobacco. However, if there is a family member who smokes tobacco, there is a high chance that a person can inhale the smoke from the tobacco and develop lung cancer (Giles, Hill and Silver 2011). Other biological determinants of development of lung cancer include low immunity as a result of other diseases of the lung which can be triggered when a person smokes tobacco. It has also been established that when a person has previous illnesses such as lung fibrosis, chronic bronchitis, emphysema or pulmonary illnesses, there is a high chance that the person can be affected by lung cancer. While a number of common determinants are explained in this article, Cancer Australia is presently involved in a systematic review of the determinants that are related to lung cancer. This will enable health professionals and the community have the best knowledge about determinants associated with lung cancer. Environmental determinants of lung cancer due to tobacco use include the exposure to environment where there is increased use of tobacco which results into inhalation of the smoke that contributes to lung cancer. Observations have shown that passive smoking contributes significantly to development of lung cancer among a number of people in Australia (Scollo and Winstanley 2012). This is because a person involved in passive smoking inhales the chemicals in the smoke thus being subjected to the risk of developing cancer condition. Radon exposure is also another environmental determinant of lung cancer condition. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is produced by normal decay of uranium rocks and soil. When a person is exposed to radon it can contribute to lung cancer, but when its concentration is at lower levels, it does not pose much danger. In addition, occupational exposure is an example of environmental determinant for lung cancer. When a person inhales a range of industrial and chemical carcinogens such as asbestos, radium and exhausts from diesel as well as fumes and particular metals associated with particular employment situations, they can contribute to development of lung cancer. In addition, air pollution is an example of environmental determinant for development of lung cancer among people in Australia and other parts of the world (Siahpush, Borland and Scollo 2012). This occurs when air containing gases, dust and fumes in large quantities are involved. These pollutants cause health problems and discomfort to humans and animals. Increase in cancer infection is contributed by external pollution. Indoor air pollution can be contributed by incoming outdoor air in addition to household products, combustion activities during heating and cooking as well as building materials that are dusty and likely to be inhaled. The main indoor materials that can contribute to lung cancer condition include asbestos and second-hand smoke. Social determinants related to lung cancer include tobacco smoking. An estimate of 90% of lung cancer in males and 65% of lung cancer in females has been found to be contributed by tobacco smoking (Tobias and Cheung 2010). In addition, being involved in social activities such as associating with friends who smoke tobacco can contribute to inhalation of chemicals that can result into development of lung cancer. Intervention strategies for lung cancer due to tobacco use There are a number of intervention strategies that can be applied in the effort to prevent lung cancer occurrence due to tobacco use. Smoking Cessation Smoking cessation has been identified as the largest single method of preventing deaths and lung cancer cases. As a result, tobacco control methods such as taxation and price legislation, restriction of advertising, promotion of healthy living, and provision of support can contribute significantly towards reduction in cases of lung cancer due to tobacco smoking. It has been recommended that in order to implement smoking cessation practice effectively, particular guidelines must be followed (Bowman and Walsh 2013). These involve asking about smoking category at each opportunity, advising all smokers to stop the practice, assessing the willingness of the population to quit smoking and arrange for follow-up into smoking activities. In addition, it is recommended that the person involved in smoking should be provided with counselling services as well as techniques that contribute to modification of the person’s attitude towards cigarettes. Pharmacological interventions Pharmacological intervention methods can also contribute considerably towards prevention of lung cancer in the population. This can be achieved by performing nicotine replacement therapy (Cancer Australia. 2011). There are various forms of nicotine replacement methods such as the use of chewing gum, transdermal patch and nasal spray. When nicotine is replaced, chances of cancer infection are significantly reduced because the person. Another pharmacological intervention strategy is the use of antidepressants and anxiolytics. Despite lack of effectiveness in the use of anxiolytics, it has been found that the use of antidepressants can contribute significantly towards reduction in the effects of nicotine that contributes to lung cancer. In addition, intervention can be done by use of mecamylamine which can be used as a cessation aid to nicotine replacement. Conclusion This paper illustrates that the use of tobacco is accompanied with a number of disadvantages such as the possibility of developing lung cancer. It also illustrates evidence that people in Australia have been affected by lung cancer in various degrees as a result of the use of tobacco. However, it is found that there are a number of intervention strategies that can be efficient in reducing the chances of being affected by lung cancer. The main areas that interventions illustrated in this paper are cessation of smoking and the pharmacological intervention. It is expected that the interventions can ensure subsequent infections are minimised if not eliminated. References Bowman, J. & Walsh, RA, 2013, Smoking intervention within alcohol and other drug treatment services: a selective review with suggestions for practical management. .Drug Alcohol Review. 22: p. 73-82. http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/arh293/203-207.pdf Cancer Australia. 2011 Report to the Nation - Lung Cancer 2011. Cancer Australia, Sydney, NSW, 2011. http://canceraustralia.gov.au/sites/default/files/publications/report_to_the_nation_lung_cancer_web_504af01e4b8b5.pdf Giles G., Hill D, Silver B. 2011.The Lung Cancer Epidemic in Australia, 2010-2011. Australian Journal of Public Health. 15: 241–7. http://www.nhmrc.gov.au/_files_nhmrc/file/publications/synopses/cp97_1.pdf Scollo, M., & Winstanley, MH, 2012. Tobacco in Australia: Facts and issues. 4th edn, 2012, Cancer Council Victoria: Melbourne. http://www.tobaccoinaustralia.org.au/downloads/chapters/Ch1_Prevalence.pdf Siahpush, M., Borland, R, & Scollo, M, 2012. Prevalence and socio-economic correlates of smoking among lone mothers in Australia. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health,. 26: p. 132-5. http://whv.org.au/static/files/assets/4c02760b/Women_and_tobacco_banner_text.pdf Tobias, M., & Cheung, J, 2010.Inhaling inequality: tobacco’s contribution to health inequality in New Zealand: Occasional Bulletin, Ministry of Health: Wellington. http://www.moh.govt.nz/notebook/nbbooks.nsf/0/acc8ed9d8b8c4344cc256af6000ba5a3/$FILE/InhalingInequality.pdf Reflection There are a number of ways in which this study has improved my development of skills and knowledge that is relevant in the area of alcohol related harm. It has facilitated the understanding of the manner in which tobacco contributes to lung cancer and the prevalence of the lung cancer in Australia. In addition, it provides an understanding of the prevalence of lung cancer situation in Australia as a result of the use of tobacco. Thus, I would focus on particular section of the population that are severely affected by lung cancer due to tobacco use according to the insight obtained in this study. The study has also been significance in my future work as a professional health worker. This is achieved by explaining various intervention strategies that are applicable in working environment as a health worker. For instance, it explains various cessation strategies that I can apply in my practices as health worker to reduce chances of lung cancer among people. These include strategies such as counselling and monitoring the behaviour of the patient towards the intervention recommendation. It also suggests the use of pharmacological strategies that I can apply in enabling people overcome the impacts of nicotine that is a major contributing factor to lung cancer. These include the use of chewing gum as a replacement for nicotine. In addition, I would use antidepressants and anxiolytics as a pharmacological strategy to enable individuals overcome the impact f nicotine that can result into lung cancer. Read More