Video Q&A about Smoking Cessation and Lung Cancer Screening

I am a 45 year old male who smokes cigarettes to the point of being tobacco dependent. My attitude is not to quit smoking so I am letting the chips fall where they may. What statistical data is available on how long I have to live while smoking?

You will find statistics on smoking and mortality if you do your own research, but you won’t find an answer to your question. I’ve been reading a lot of statistical data on survival rates for Stage 3-4 lung cancer. My mother was diagnosed with this in August. But I don’t have an answer, and the doctors can’t provide one either, as far as how long she will live. I do know that she quit smoking 40 years ago after 20 years of smoking. And every time I walk past someone who is smoking, I want to stop and ask them why they would risk their health, and the health of others, in this way? The fact that you’re asking your question on this forum suggests to me that you’re worried. Why not minimize the risk as much as possible and quit today?

Santi,i started wnile in high school,early 1970s.endedup smoking 2 packs aday.Smoked for over 30 years.Started getting problems with pnemonia, no real smokers cough.Doctor would say youhave to quit.would think obout it , then lignt up.Afrer 3 weeks inhospital toldiihad copd ,this was around 2003,tried to cut down no good around 2005 inhospital again had a pulmonologist also.got to point was useing my vacation time from work every year to cover my hospital time,started getting harder doing things.by 2009 after 2 weeks inhospital told myself i gotta quit ,copd so bad.quit in 2oo9 cold turkey.not everyone get copd and its not cureable so im now considered end stage.Onoxyjen24 7 been on ventolator to breath 4 x at hospital.A flight of stairs too much,go out to car mywife drives,i need time to get my wind back by leani g against care before getting in,imnot kidding , when your 63 on ssi disability cant even take out bagof trash ,not enough breath,i realizenot everyone gets copd but this is where my chipsfell.ps alsohad lung cancer in 2014 thats in remission,wish i had quit before i had copd.I dont consider 63old but i also realize the rest of my life is on a wheelchair and oxyjen and every hospital trip makes me wish.

Hi Wendy:
I am delighted that you are on Connect. I understand the fear that goes along with a Stage 3 or Stage 4 or any diagnosis of lung cancer. As a lung cancer patient (who never smoked) and survivor, you never forget hearing the shocking words, "You have lung cancer"! However, there is hope, since my diagnosis in 2008 the research and medical advancements have been remarkable.

You bring up a valid point, "Why would people risk their health and the health of others and put a fire stick loaded with nicotine to their lips?"

Could it be lack of education about "lungs"? (lets say, in comparison to our heart, breast or prostate)
With all of the Stop Smoking billboards and TV commercials, we all know we should NOT smoke, correct? But how much do people really know about their lungs?

Let me know your thoughts on connecting together and discussing what we do know about our lungs, how we can teach our
children all of the fun facts about lungs, and possibly have our children take the knowledge home to their mothers and families
and let the work know all of the amazing things they never knew about their lungs?

Together lets get the movement started for Lung Health Awareness... I'll start by introducing this fun:

Did you know that the surface area of your lungs are as large as a tennis court? /Users/lindawortman/Desktop/IMG_2645.jpeg

What lung facts can you share?

linda

Although I have never smoked I've only have use of 49% of my lungs. I have Sarcoidosis .

@llwortman Your image didn't show up. Looks to be linked from your local pc.

Fascinating fact about your lungs. #themoreyouknow

Mark
BecomeAnEX.org Community Manager

Welcome to Connect, @markatbecomeanex.
Please allow me to introduce Mark to everyone. Become an Ex – a collaboration by Truth Initiative® and Mayo Clinic – a thriving community. See more information about our collaboration and how to join the BecomeAnEx community here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/become-an-ex-smoker/

Thanks for the welcome @colleenyoung! I'm glad to be here and look forward to participating here and also to have Connect members join us on BecomeAnEX to get support and knowledge to get quit or help someone else quit.

Mark
BecomeAnEX Community Manager

Post your questions for Dr. Hays and Dr. Midthun here.

Dr. Hays referred to the website Become An Ex https://www.becomeanex.org/ Become an Ex is a collaboration by Truth Initiative® and Mayo Clinic. Includes a quit plan and peer support in its online community. You can also read more here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/become-an-ex-smoker/