Posted on 06/02/2004 4:43:14 AM PDT by Colosis
LONDON (Reuters) - Smoking destroys protective molecules in saliva and transforms it into a dangerous cocktail of chemicals that increases the risk of mouth cancer, scientists say.
"Cigarette smoke is not only damaging on its own, it can turn the body against itself," said Dr Rafi Nagler, of the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology in Haifa, Israel.
Saliva contains antioxidants, molecules that normally protect the body against cancer, but Nagler and his colleagues have discovered that cigarette smoke destroys the molecules and turns saliva into a dangerous compound.
"Our study shows that once exposed to cigarette smoke, our normally healthy saliva not only loses its beneficial qualities but it turns traitor and actually aids in destroying the cells of the mouth and oral cavity," he added.
In research reported in the British Journal of Cancer on Wednesday, Nagler and his team studied the impact of cigarette smoke on cancerous cells in the laboratory.
Half of the cells were exposed to saliva exposed to cigarette smoke and the other half just to the smoke. Cells exposed to the saliva mixture had more damage and it increased along with the time of exposure.
"Most people will find it very shocking that the mixture of saliva and smoke is actually more lethal to cells in the mouth than cigarette smoke alone," Nagler added in a statement.
Smoking and drinking are the leading causes of head and neck or oral cancers, which includes cancer of the lip, mouth, tongue, gums, larynx and pharynx. Nearly 400,000 new cases of the illness are diagnosed worldwide each year with the majority in developing countries. The five-year survival rates are less than 50 percent.
Nagler and his colleagues believe the research could open up new avenues to develop better treatments to prevent oral cancer.
"This insight into how mouth cancer can develop offers more reasons for smokers to try and quit," said Jean King, of Cancer Research UK, which publishes the journal. "People know the link with lung cancer and this research adds compelling evidence about the damage smoking can do to the mouth."
Smoking is such a nasty habit.
Personal insults? Did I insult you?
If so I apologize that the truth insults you.
I only reply in kind.
If you call someone an addict, expect a reply in kind.
I made no posts in reference or to you. Please cut out the smears.
C'mon... Be Honest!
Most smokers ARE ADDICTED.
Yes, and dishonest also. I never posted to this guy on this thread but he implies that I did and says that is why is is posting smears against me.
I apologize, I went back through the thread and in the heat of of the moment with another poster I mistakenly thought you had posted something you did not.
Thank you. It happens. Flame throwers stowed.
The surgeon general, in about 1963, changed the definition of 'addiction' so that it would include habituation.
I've worked with enough smokers to be pretty durn sure that they are addicted.
By your definition, by the 'new' definition, but not by a definition that excerpts habituation.
Seeing how all the gnatzies have now come out of the woodwork, I think I will bid you a pleasant day until I return from my errands.
I'm on my way to pay my real estate taxes and have an appointment at the county extension office with the 4-H agent.
See, contrary to what some would lead others to believe those of us who happen to choose to use tobacco are actually law-abiding, taxpaying citizens who are involved in our children's lives and in our communities.
Specious. People are not born smokers. They are not minorities. Their addiction or habit fouls the air. Their addiction is of their choosing.
Only if the don't smoke.
I quit 2 days ago. Cold turkey after 11 years of hard-core smoking. Wish me luck!
So far, it hasn't been as bad as I've feared. A bit of trouble falling asleep, but not all that terrible.
So far, it hasn't been as bad as I've feared. A bit of trouble falling asleep, but not all that terrible.
GOOD FOR YOU!
You might be interested in this.
So, everytime you get the urge to smoke look at it as a great thing because once the urge is over you have one less to go.
Today marks 9 months without a cigarette for me. If it wasn't for second hand smoke I don't think I would have made it this far.
LOL! I've an ex-smoker friend who is the same. But since the smoking ban here in pubs, he can't be bothered goiong out anymore.
Awesome site, thanks!
A quote I just saw on there solidified things for me:
"If you think quitting smoking is tough, try telling your kids you have cancer because of something you did to yourself."
I made a committment to God, to my wife, and to my daughter. There's no going back, no matter how bad things get.
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