Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Chapter 9 Tobacco 273 iven the many negative health consequences of smoking, almost half of all smokers try to quit each year. This lesson examines treat- ment and prevention strategies for nicotine addiction. Treatment Unfortunately, smoking is a hard habit to break. Even people who ex- perience life-threatening, smoking-related illnesses have diffi quitting. ficulty For example, about 40% of the people who have had a laryngectomy con- tinue to smoke. A lary y ng g ectomy y is a surgical procedure in which the larynx is removed, requiring the person to breathe through an opening in his or her neck (Figure 9.10). This procedure is typically performed when a person has cancer of the larynx. Similarly, more than half the people who have had a heart attack or surgery resulting from lung cancer continue to smoke. It’s never too late for someone to stop smoking. Smokers who quit suc- cessfully experience a number of health benefits. Some of these benefits,fi fi such as decreases in blood pressure, heart rate, and coughing, are seen within just a few days of quitting. Other benefits, such as a decreased risk fi G laryngectomy the surgical removal of the larynx Sometimes even the threat of needing a procedure as serious as removing the larynx will not deter a person from smoking. Do you think this government ad is effective in its attempt to get people to stop smoking? Explain your thinking. Figure 9.10