Tobacco use is the single most preventable cause of death in the United States, responsible for more than 33 percent of all cancer deaths each year, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Many types of cancer are associated with the use of tobacco and tobacco-related products, which include cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco and pipe smoke.

The chance of developing several different types of cancer is far greater among smokers than nonsmokers. In addition, smokers are many more times likely to die of cancer than nonsmokers. Tobacco use is a risk factor for nearly all cancers, particularly for lung and head and neck cancers as well as cancers of the internal organs (e.g., stomach, kidney, pancreas, bladder).

When considering risk factors for these and other types of cancer, it is important to note that tobacco use not only includes cigarette smoking, but also using other forms of tobacco. For example, many people mistakenly believe that smokeless tobacco (chewing tobacco and snuff), pipe smoke or cigars are less of a threat to a person’s health. However, individuals who smoke cigars or use smokeless tobacco have risks for oral cancers that are similar to those of cigarette smokers. Cigar smokers are at similar risk for developing cancer of lung, larynx, esophagus and pancreas as cigarette smokers since cigars contain many of the same carcinogens (cancer-causing substances) as cigarettes.

Further, it is believed that smoking a cigarette, cigar or pipe poses a health risk for everyone in the immediate vicinity who inhales the “secondhand smoke.” Studies show that nonsmokers who are exposed to secondhand smoke have an increased risk of developing lung cancer. The American Cancer Society (ACS) reports that approximately 3,400 lung cancer deaths of nonsmokers are linked to secondhand smoke each year.

Although the risk of developing cancer is high for smokers, it is possible to reduce the risk by quitting smoking. The NCI reports that soon after an individual quits smoking or using tobacco products, the risk of cancer drops substantially and continues to decline even more each year after quitting.

Many smokers find it difficult to quit as the nicotine in tobacco is an addictive drug. However, there are ways to increase the odds of successfully overcoming a nicotine addiction. Many programs are offered by the ACS and there are numerous over-the-counter and prescription products, such as gums and patches that can help a person quit using tobacco products. Patients are encouraged to speak with their healthcare providers about steps they can take to help them quit smoking.