Vithas hospitals in Andalusia are marking World No Tobacco Day, an initiative by the World Health Organization (WHO), to raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco consumption and promote healthy lifestyles. Specialists at these healthcare facilities stress the critical importance of preventing the initiation of smoking, as tobacco is a leading cause of preventable diseases, including respiratory and cardiovascular pathologies, and various types of cancer.
Healthcare professionals are observing with concern that these diseases are affecting increasingly younger patients. Dr. Inmaculada Úbeda, Head of Emergency Services at Hospital Vithas Almería, emphasizes the need to prevent the use of both traditional tobacco and new electronic devices among young people. "Prevention and health education remain fundamental tools to reduce early initiation and support those who wish to quit smoking," she stated.
Vaping devices also contain nicotine, a highly addictive substance, and compounds that can affect the respiratory system
Meanwhile, Samuel López, a neuropsychologist at Centro Médico Vithas Granada, points out that vaping devices, despite their modern appearance, contain nicotine, a highly addictive substance, and other compounds harmful to the respiratory system. "The risk does not disappear; it simply takes new forms and can further hinder smoking prevention in new generations," he warns. The surge in these devices among young people is attributed to social pressure, marketing, and a false perception of their safety. "The earlier contact with nicotine begins, the higher the probability of developing dependence. It is crucial to develop the ability to say 'no' without feeling excluded," the specialist confirms.
In the field of oncology, early detection of lung cancer through screening programs is vital for improving prognosis. Dr. Gustavo de Luiz, Head of the Pulmonology Service at Hospital Vithas Xanit Internacional, highlights his center's experience with low-dose CT scan screening programs, which allow for the identification of tumors in early stages when treatment options are more extensive and survival rates significantly increase.
Dr. Carolina Escarain, a cardiologist at Hospital Vithas Málaga, underscores the negative impact of tobacco on cardiovascular health. "Tobacco is one of the most relentless enemies of our cardiovascular health. Its toxic components directly damage arteries, promoting atherosclerosis and increasing the risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, and peripheral artery disease," she explains. She adds that at the hospital, they observe increasingly younger patients suffering from these pathologies due to smoking, but emphasizes the almost immediate benefits for the heart upon quitting.
Lung cancer, closely linked to smoking, remains a concern. Dr. Fernando Cózar, a thoracic surgeon at Vithas Sevilla, reminds us that smoking is also behind diseases such as COPD, emphysema, and recurrent respiratory infections. He warns about symptoms like persistent cough, coughing up blood, chest pain, or unexplained weight loss. "Over 70% of cases are detected in advanced stages, reducing the five-year survival rate to below 20%. However, when lung cancer is detected in stage I, the chances of cure after surgery can reach between 80% and 90%," he states, highlighting the utility of low-dose CT scans for early detection.
