Smoking & Cancer
If you use smoking and tobacco products, you’re at higher risk for developing cancer. However, it’s never too late to quit using tobacco.
Smoking is responsible for:
- 87% of all lung cancer cases
- 30% of all deaths from cancer
- Raising the risk of developing more than eight types of cancer
Smoking also contributes to:
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Lung diseases (emphysema, asthma, etc.)
- Low birth rate in newborns
- SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome)
Secondhand Smoke Facts
People who live with smokers are more likely to develop lung cancer themselves, even though they do not smoke.
Children whose parents smoke at home are hospitalized more often during their first year of life for bronchitis and pneumonia than children of nonsmokers.
Tips for lowering your risk of developing cancer from smoking:
- Don’t start using tobacco products
- Quit if you are using tobacco products (including chewing tobacco and snuff)
- Avoid being in places with secondhand smoke
- Educate your children about not using tobacco products
Multimedia
Related Programs
Show You Care!
Cancer Prevention Center
Did you know you can get your mammogram or prostate exam at MD Anderson's Cancer Prevention Center? Most major insurance plans are accepted. Schedule an appointment today by calling 1-877-632-6789.
Find Clinical Trials
Clinical trials are research studies that test new cancer drugs, diagnostic procedures and therapies on humans.