Lung cancer and smoking--one of my friends married to a diplomat died of 2nd hand smoke.

AI Overview

Lung cancer increasingly affecting young, non-smoking women, experts say

Yes, smoking is the number one cause of lung cancer, responsible for about 80-90% of lung cancer deaths, as cigarette smoke contains over 70 known carcinogens that damage lung cell DNA, leading to uncontrolled cell growth and cancer. The risk increases with the amount and duration of smoking, but quitting at any time significantly lowers this risk, even reducing it by half within 10-15 years.

How Smoking Causes Lung Cancer

Damages DNA:

Chemicals in smoke, like tar, directly harm the DNA in lung cells, which control cell growth and function.

Prevents Repair:

These chemicals also make it harder for cells to repair the DNA damage, causing it to build up over time.

Promotes Abnormal Growth:

The accumulation of damaged DNA causes cells to grow abnormally, forming tumors.

Key Facts

Leading Cause:

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death, and smoking is its biggest risk factor.

Secondhand Smoke:

Exposure to secondhand smoke also significantly increases the risk of lung cancer in non-smokers.

Other Cancers:

Smoking also raises the risk for many other cancers, including mouth, throat, bladder, kidney, and stomach cancers.

Quitting is Key

Reduces Risk: Quitting smoking drastically lowers your risk of lung cancer and other smoking-related cancers.

Benefits Over Time: Your risk of lung cancer drops by half within 10-15 years of quitting.

Smoking and Cancer | Overviews of Diseases/Conditions - CDC

How Can Smoking-Related Cancers Be Prevented? The most important thing you can do to prevent smoking-related cancer is not to smok...

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Lung Cancer Risk Factors

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Lung cancer - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic

Apr 30, 2024 — Overview. Lung cancer Enlarge image. Close. Lung cancer. Lung cancer. Lung cancer begins in the cells of the lungs. Lu... Mayo Clinic