When people think of smoking-related cancer, lung cancer usually comes to mind first.
However, gastroenterologists say the digestive system is also highly vulnerable.
“Smoking is a known risk factor for GI cancers of the stomach, esophagus, pancreas, colon and liver,” says Dr Shetty.
Dr Badave adds, “Tobacco is a major risk factor for multiple digestive system cancers, including stomach cancer, colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, liver cancer and esophageal cancer.”
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), tobacco use is associated with cancers affecting multiple digestive organs, including the colon, rectum, liver, stomach, pancreas, and esophagus.
What makes these cancers particularly concerning is that symptoms often appear late. Persistent acidity, unexplained weight loss, swallowing difficulty, chronic abdominal pain, or changes in bowel habits should never be ignored, especially among long-term tobacco users.