National Cancer Institute National Cancer Institute
U.S. National Institutes of Health National Cancer Institute
Send to Printer

Understanding Cancer Series: Cancer
< Back to Main
    Posted: 01/28/2005    Reviewed: 09/01/2006
Slide 53  :  Avoid Tobacco

As the single largest cause of cancer death, the use of tobacco products is implicated in roughly one out of every three cancer deaths. Cigarette smoking is responsible for nearly all cases of lung cancer, and has also been implicated in cancer of the mouth, larynx, esophagus, stomach, pancreas, kidney, and bladder. Pipe smoke, cigars, and smokeless tobacco are risky as well. Avoiding tobacco is therefore the single most effective lifestyle decision any person can make in attempting to prevent cancer.

Avoid Tobacco