Cancer: Does one need to Quit Smoking?

Cancer: Does one need to Quit Smoking? (Part I of IV)

I know a cancer patient aged around 70-75, suffering from lung cancer. As we all know screen heroes holding cigarette in the corner of lips were idols to imitate for all young people in 50’ and 60’ of last century. This old man was also no exception and had started smoking at very young age. He enjoyed his cigarette a lot and would always say, “With cigarette in my lips, I feel I am the king of my world”. As per the natural course, smoking had its effects and the man was diagnosed as suffering from lung cancer about 3 years ago.

The fellow was suffering. The problem started as simple cough which would not get cured even with strong cough mixtures. Cancer had invaded his entire body. He was enduring loss of weight, bloody cough, bone pain, breathlessness and not to mention side effects of chemotherapy. 

The relatives had taken all efforts to give him the best palliative treatment. One particular day, there was this new nurse on duty. She was most sincerely doing all the nursing work that was expected of her and was also having small talk. Naturally, talks drifted to topic of smoking and the nurse started enumerating ills of smoking. She continued for nearly 10-15 minutes giving lecture on how smoking is bad and causes cancer. The old man was helplessly listening to her endorsing how stupid he was to smoke.

Suddenly somebody shouted loudly from other room of the house. The tone of the scream was very intense and angry. The nurse really got scared and asked, “Who is that shouting so desperately?” The old man answered, “That is my 95 year old father. He must have run out of his Cigarettes.”

 This is the story all smokers will tell in defense of their smoking, as 95 year old man is seen to be enjoying smoking and has no problems.

At the same time, all smokers will not take any notice of the fact that the other man is dying because of smoking. Every smoker tends to think that he will have no problems due to smoking.

Smoking has been killing, is killing and will be killing.

It is easy to Quit Smoking if one accepts that he or she is no different from others and has no immunity against ill effects of smoking.

Happy Mind Is Healthy Mind