Reasons for the increase in pancreatic cancer: "Is secondhand smoke this dangerous?" What about smoking on the street?

Today, the apartment management office is broadcasting a reminder about prohibiting smoking in the bathroom and balcony. Smoking in the bathroom or balcony can cause smoke to spread through exhaust fans, gaps, and wind, potentially disturbing neighbors. Despite continuous broadcasts for several years, there has been no improvement. Do people still want to smoke, even if it harms others?

"Smoke from cigarettes is drifting in again"... Increase in secondhand smoke indoors at home and workplace

It has been found that many people still smoke indoors at home or at work. As a result, the harm caused by secondhand smoke is increasing. According to data from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, the exposure rate to secondhand smoke among non-smokers was 3.0% indoors at home, 8.0% indoors at workplaces, and 8.6% indoors in public places as of 2023. Although the trend over the past 10 years shows a decline, compared to 2022, exposure to secondhand smoke indoors at home, workplaces, and public places has all slightly increased. The number of people inhaling cigarette smoke from others indoors is rising, highlighting the need for increased awareness.

Secondhand cigarette smoke is more dangerous... Why?

Secondhand smoke is the inhalation of cigarette smoke by non-smokers who live with smokers or are around them. The smoke that comes directly from the end of a cigarette without passing through a filter is more dangerous than direct smoking. There are two types of cigarette smoke. Besides the smoke inhaled and exhaled by the smoker, it is the smoke that comes directly from the burning end of the cigarette. Several carcinogens are present in much higher concentrations in the smoke coming directly from the cigarette's end (National Cancer Information Center data). There are also statistics indicating that 85% of secondhand smoke victims are exposed to the smoke from the cigarette's end.

Why are there so many female pancreatic cancer patients... Estimated victims of secondhand smoke

Secondhand smoke is a factor that causes not only lung cancer but also pancreatic cancer, stomach cancer, bladder cancer, esophageal cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. In particular, cigarette smoke is the main risk factor for pancreatic cancer, which is considered a difficult-to-treat cancer. According to the national cancer registration statistics released in December last year, there were 9,780 cases of pancreatic cancer. The number is increasing every year, which is even more problematic. The number of male smokers is 5,085, and female smokers are 4,695. The almost equal difference between men and women suggests that some women are victims of secondhand smoke. Considering that 28.9% of patients are in their 70s and 22.3% are over 80, it is presumed to be influenced by the era when smoking indoors was freely practiced in the past.

Persistent street smoking... The number of safe smoking areas should also be increased

The harm caused by street smoking is also increasing. Many people have experienced the unpleasantness of cigarette smoke blowing in their faces on windy days. There may be young children nearby. Secondhand smoke is even more harmful to health. To consider those around you, street smoking should be avoided. The smell of cigarette smoke lingering on clothes or the body can damage a person's image. Local governments and others should also increase the number of smoke-free designated areas. It is still surprising that many people continue to smoke indoors at home or at work. Smoking that harms others is the worst.

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These days, there are many women smoking on the streets, and the number of women with pancreatic cancer has also increased.

The Grim Reaper approaching silently, pancreatic cancer smokers. Whether they smoke or not, it doesn't matter.

I must avoid secondhand smoke at all costs.