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.
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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.
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- 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.