The President of the Turkish Association for the Fight Against Tobacco, Assoc. Dr. Mustafa Aydın, made important statements on the occasion of National Cancer Week, celebrated from April 1-7, which aims to raise social awareness and increase public consciousness in the fight against cancer. Dr. Aydın emphasized that quitting smoking is a significant step in the battle against cancer.

Various events are organized during Cancer Week, which takes place from April 1-7, to raise social awareness about cancer. TSSD President Assoc. Dr. Mustafa Aydın highlighted the importance of the week and the relationship between smoking and cancer in his remarks.

Dr. Aydın stated that smoking is the most significant preventable cause of cancer worldwide, saying, “Cancer profoundly affects individuals physically, psychologically, and socially. One in four cancer-related deaths in Turkey is due to smoking. Therefore, quitting smoking can be considered a method of cancer prevention in itself.”

“Cancer Can Be Prevented by Quitting Smoking on Time”

Noting that more than 8 million people die each year worldwide due to tobacco-related diseases, Dr. Aydın said, “In Turkey, approximately 100,000 people die annually from diseases caused by tobacco use. As seen, deaths related to smoking and tobacco products are at very high levels globally.” Regarding cancer rates in Turkey, Dr. Aydın pointed out that lung cancer is the most common type of cancer in the country, stating, “Lung cancer is the most prevalent cause of cancer deaths. 80-90% of lung cancer cases are attributed to smoking. The good news is that most of these deaths can be significantly prevented by quitting smoking on time. In short, if societies rid themselves of tobacco and tobacco products, 90% of cancer cases could be prevented,” emphasizing the importance of quitting smoking.

Dr. Aydın noted, “Experts state that 90% of cancer cases are due to environmental factors, while 10% are related to genetic factors. It has been proven that by addressing or eliminating environmental factors that cause cancer, such as smoking and alcohol consumption, cancers can be prevented by 30-50%.”

“A Quarter of Smokers Die Early”

Research over the years has shown that smoking triggers many types of cancer and that smokers are much more likely to develop cancer compared to non-smokers, according to Dr. Mustafa Aydın. “I must clearly state that half of smokers will eventually die from cancer or other smoking-related diseases. Additionally, a quarter of smokers die between the ages of 35-69,” he said.

Dr. Aydın explained that more than 70 chemicals in cigarette smoke are carcinogenic and that inhaling cigarette smoke allows these harmful chemicals to enter our lungs and spread throughout our bodies. He continued, “Scientists emphasize that various chemicals in cigarettes damage DNA, cause changes in important genes, and as a result, lead to uncontrolled cell growth and the emergence of cancers.”

Finally, Dr. Mustafa Aydın stated, “If you smoke, quitting is the best gift you can give yourself. As the Turkish Association for the Fight Against Tobacco, we are taking firm steps towards raising awareness in both society and individuals through our effective struggle against smoking that we have conducted for years. As we always say, I emphasize once again, we will continue the fight until the last molecule of tobacco disappears.”