Lung Cancer & Smoking

Smoking responsible for 90% of cancer deaths
Incidence of lung cancer is rising. Lung cancer is responsible for more cancer deaths than colorectal cancer, breast cancer, and prostate cancer combined.
Lung cancer primarily strikes people over age 45. By the time that an individual develops symptoms, spread has usually occurred. Mesothelioma Smoking

Lung cancer is directly related to smoking. Over 40 carcinogens have been identified in cigarette smoke. The risk of developing lung cancer is directly related to the number of cigarettes smoked. The change in consumption from unfiltered high tar cigarettes to filtered low tar cigarettes parallels the change in incidence from squamous cell carcinoma to adenocarcinoma. There is a long interval between quitting smoking and elimination of lung cancer risk. Up to 40% of newly diagnosed lung cancer occurs in former smokers. (median abstinence duration 9 years).

Cigarette icon
Cost

A 1 pk/day smoking habit costs (@ $1.25 pk) approximately $450/year.