People living with HIV who adhere to antiretroviral therapy but smoke tobacco cigarettes are more likely to die from lung cancer than from AIDS, a study led by an Indian-origin researcher has revealed.

Read also:Surroundings can also be the reason for lung cancer

What findings showed?

  • The findings showed that overall people with HIV who take antiviral medicines.
  • But who also smoke are six to 13 times more likely to die from lung cancer than from HIV/AIDS.
  • In addition,depending on the intensity of smoking and their sex.
  • Smoking and HIV are a particularly bad combination when it comes to lung cancer.
  • Lung cancer is now one of the leading killers of people with HIV, but most of these deaths can be prevented.

Read also:Hormone therapy may risk lung function in women

  • Among men who continued to be heavy smokers, an estimated 29 per cent would die of lung cancer by age 80.
  • As would 23 per cent of moderate smokers and 19 per cent of light smokers.
  • For women who continued to be heavy smokers, an estimated 29 per cent would die of lung cancer by age 80.
  • As would 21 per cent of moderate smokers and 17 per cent of light smokers.

Results:

  • The data tell us that now is the time for action.
  • Smoking cessation programmes should be integrated into HIV care just like antiviral therapy.
  • However, among those who managed to quit smoking at age 40, only about six per cent die of lung cancer.
  • “Quitting smoking is one of the most important things that people with HIV can do to improve their health and live longer”.
  • Besides reducing the risk of lung cancer, quitting will also decrease their risk of other diseases.
  • Such as heart attack, stroke and emphysema, the researchers said.
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