#AskDrKK: How to reduce smoking?

#DrKKAnswers: Do not smoke the 1^st cigarette in the first hour of waking. Smokers who smoke the 1^st cigarette within half an hour of waking are at 59% higher head and neck cancer risk and 79% elevated lung cancer risk compared with those who smoke 1^st cigarette after an hour of waking up

As per a study published in the journal cancer by Joshua E. Muscat, PhD, of Penn State College of Medicine in Hershey  those who started on their first cigarette 31 to 60 minutes after waking were at significantly elevated risk as well (42% and 31%, respectively).

While any smoking boosts cancer risks, an early start in the day is particularly risky because it signals stronger nicotine dependence.

1.       1^st study described results among 1,055 head and neck cancer patients and 795 controls. Cancers were 2.11-fold more likely with smoking within 30 minutes of waking and 1.63-fold more likely with a first cigarette within 31 to 60 minutes of waking.

2.        The other study described analysis of 4,775 newly-diagnosed lung cancer cases and 2,835 controls. Current smoking and greater number of cigarettes smoked per day were linked to higher lung cancer risk. There was 2.64-fold higher risk of cancer with smoking within 30 minutes of waking and 1.58-fold higher risk with smoking 31 to 60 minutes after waking.