AboutMichael Dean Expertise Can answer
General information on tobacco addiction, and resources for quitting.
Information on current cancer research and the health effects of tobacco.
The risk of smoking for lung cancer and other cancers, as well as SIDS, heart disease, and vision loss.
The best place to start is 1-800-QUIT-NOW
Cannot answer
Specific medical questions
Experience Cancer Researcher for over 20 years
Author of the book "Empty Cribs-The impact of smoking on child health" www.artsciencepub.com.
Author of over 200 scientific articles on cancer, genetics and human disease.
Multiple interviews in print, TV and radio media.
Organizations American Association for Cancer Research
American Association of Human Genetics
Publications Scientific journals (Science, Nature, NE Journal Medicine, etc.)
Scientific American, Discovery Medicine, Nature Reviews in Cancer
Education/Credentials PhD. in Biochemistry from Boston University School of Medicine
Awards and Honors Young Investigator award-American Association of Cancer Research
Question HI my name is Sarah, I'm 20 years old and I've been smoking for a little over
two years. I've quit twice with chantix ... for 6 months. Right now, I'm at like 4
cigs a day.... If I'm out drinking, I can chain smoke really well. I get chest
pains sometimes and I'm freaking out that I have lung cancer. I just bought
nic gum so I wanna start tmw. Am at at a high risk for lung cancer? When I
quit, will my body repair the damage?
Answer Dear Sarah,
It is very highly unlikely for you to have lung cancer. It almost never occurs in anyone age 20.
But is great that you are so determined to quit. The gum or patches work for a lot of people. Many smokers take several ties to quit, so keep up your good attitude and determination.
Try to stay out of situations where you are likely to smoke. Where do you live? Can you find places to drink where they don't allow smoking? Get your friends to support you. Those that don't might not be real friends. You can always call 1-800-QUIT-NOW for help and resources. Depending on where you live, you might get free patches or gum, and free online counceling.
Do you have a faith you can lean on for help?
Yes your body will heal after you quit. The risk of heart disease goes away very quickly. Some risk of cancer remains throughout your life, but you did not smoke that long. The sooner you can quit and stay quit the better.
If the chest pains don't go away or get worse, I would see a doctor.
