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After treatment and remission

Facts about tobacco and alcohol

Tobacco and alcohol create extra risks for leukaemia survivors. This topic sets out the facts calmly and clearly and shows ways to help you quit.

Last updated: ~3 min read
Lung shapes filled with blue light.
Figure 1.Lungs breathing clean air.

01Short answer

Tobacco is one of the most harmful factors for health. It raises the risk of lung, mouth, throat, bladder and many other cancers, as well as heart and lung diseases. Smoking also raises the risk of AML. For leukaemia survivors this risk matters especially, because treatment may already have affected the heart (anthracyclines) and lungs (some medicines and radiation) and raised the risk of a second cancer (topic “Risk of a second cancer”). Quitting tobacco helps at any age and any stage. E-cigarettes and water pipes (hookah) are not harmless either. Second-hand smoke is harmful, especially for children. Help to quit: talking to your doctor, nicotine replacement therapy or medicines prescribed by your doctor, quit programmes and helplines. Alcohol raises the risk of mouth, oesophagus, liver, breast and bowel cancer; according to the WHO, there is no safe amount of alcohol for health. Alcohol puts strain on the liver and interacts with some medicines. The safest choice is not to drink; if you do, discuss how much and when with your doctor. Children and teenagers should not use alcohol or tobacco.

02Simple explanation

Tobacco raises the risk of many cancers and heart disease.

For survivors the risk is higher.

Quitting helps at any age.

Alcohol: there is no safe amount (WHO).

Help: doctor, medicines, programmes.

03Scientific explanation

Tobacco: according to the WHO, up to half of tobacco users die from tobacco-related disease; it raises the risk of at least 20 types of cancer.

Survivors: the NCI notes that in cancer survivors smoking further raises the risk of second cancers, heart and lung disease; quitting lowers this risk.

Alcohol: according to the NCI and ACS, alcohol raises the risk of mouth, throat, oesophagus, liver, breast and bowel cancer; the risk grows with the amount drunk.

No safe amount: in 2023 the WHO stated that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption for health.

04What happens in the body?

What does tobacco affect?

The lungs, heart, blood vessels, mouth and many organs. Smoke contains dozens of substances that cause cancer.

Why does it matter more for survivors?

Treatment may already have affected the heart, lungs and second cancer risk; tobacco raises these risks further.

Quitting

Choose a quit date, talk to your doctor, use nicotine replacement or medicines, reduce triggers and ask for support. Several attempts are normal.

A wisp of smoke fading into the sky.
Figure 2.Quitting tobacco — Facts about tobacco and alcohol

E-cigarettes and water pipes

They also contain nicotine and harmful substances. To stop smoking, use only aids agreed with your doctor.

Alcohol

Alcohol raises the risk of several cancers, strains the liver and interacts with some medicines. The safest choice is not to drink; choose alcohol-free drinks.

A glass of water in the foreground.
Figure 3.Choosing an alcohol-free drink.

When to call your doctor

Worrying signs — fever, bleeding, new pain, breathlessness — should be reported to your doctor between visits too. Getting in touch early is always better than waiting.

05Free of tobacco and alcohol

Steps.

Date — Choose a quit date.1DateChoose a quit date.
Support — Doctor, quit programmes.2SupportDoctor, quit programmes.
Home — A smoke-free home and car.3HomeA smoke-free home and car.
Choose — Alcohol-free drinks.4ChooseAlcohol-free drinks.
LungsBreathing improves.
HeartThe heart is protected.
RiskCancer risk falls.

06Tobacco and alcohol: the facts (simplified)

TopicFactWhat to do
SmokingMany cancers, heart diseaseQuit, get support
Second-hand smokeEspecially harmful for childrenA smoke-free home and car
E-cigarettes, water pipesNot harmlessTalk to your doctor
AlcoholNo safe amountDo not drink, or discuss with your doctor

* Your doctor can help you quit.

07Key terms

Nicotine
The addictive substance in tobacco.
Nicotine replacement therapy
Patches, gum and similar aids.
Second-hand smoke
Breathing in other people’s smoke.
Carcinogen
A substance that can cause cancer.
Interaction
A change in how a medicine works when combined with another substance.
Quit programme
Support to stop using tobacco.

08Key points

  • Do not smoke.
  • Quitting helps at any age.
  • Ask for help.
  • Keep your home smoke-free.
  • Choose alcohol-free drinks.
  • Ask your doctor about medicines and alcohol.

09Frequently asked questions

I have smoked for years — is it worth quitting?

Yes; risks fall gradually after you stop.

Are e-cigarettes safer?

They are not harmless; discuss with your doctor.

Is a glass of wine good for the heart?

According to the WHO there is no safe amount; there are better ways to protect the heart.

My teenager is trying smoking — what should I do?

Talk calmly, explain the facts and seek support from the doctor and school.

Does this information replace medical advice?

No. This is general education; only your treating doctor can assess your situation.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. I have smoked for years — is it worth quitting?

  2. Are e-cigarettes safer?

  3. Is a glass of wine good for the heart?

  4. My teenager is trying smoking — what should I do?

  5. Does this information replace medical advice?

My questions

12Sources

  1. World Health Organization. Tobacco
  2. National Cancer Institute. Tobacco
  3. Smokefree.gov (U.S. National Cancer Institute). Smokefree
  4. World Health Organization. Alcohol
  5. National Cancer Institute. Alcohol and Cancer Risk
  6. American Cancer Society. Alcohol Use and Cancer
  7. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Follow-Up Medical Care
  8. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Cancer Survivorship
  9. Cancer.Net (ASCO). Follow-Up Care After Cancer Treatment
  10. Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). Long-Term and Late Effects of Treatment
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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