The American Cancer Society explains that tobacco smoke significantly contributes to the deaths of over 440,000 Americans every year. This accounts for about 20 percent of all deaths in the United States and outnumbers the deaths from alcohol, car accidents, suicide, AIDS and homicide combined. Cigarettes also account for 30 percent of cancer deaths in the US. While these cancers are very deadly, they are largely preventable if tobacco use and exposure to second hand smoke are avoided.
Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is the most common chronic, deadly disease associated with tobacco use. According to the American Cancer Society, about 87 percent of all lung cancer deaths are the result of cigarette smoking. Lung cancer is very difficult to detect in its earliest stages and even more of a challenge to cure. While lung cancer is very difficult to treat, it is easy to prevent if smoking and tobacco products are avoided.
Larynx Cancer
Cancers of the larynx or voice box are also greatly increased in cigarette smokers. The Abramson Cancer Center at the University of Pennsylvania explains that smoking increases one's chances of developing larynx cancer by 5 to 25 times compared to non-smokers. This risk is increased to 40 times in tobacco users that also drink excessive amounts of alcohol. Larynx cancer is caused by chemicals in cigarette smoke that can mutate the DNA in the cells lining the voice box. Inflammation and irritation of throat caused by smoking also contribute to larynx cancer progression.
Esophageal Cancer
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons explains that smoking is a major factor in risk for esophageal cancer. The esophagus is a tube-like organ that connects the throat to the stomach. Smoking can cause stress the cells lining through the esophagus to become inflamed or mutate and develop into esophageal tumors. Esophageal cancer is not as common as breast cancer or lung cancer and arises in about 12 to 16 thousand individuals in the US every year. Esophageal cancer usually occurs in individuals between the ages of 50 and 70 years old. Men are more likely than women to develop esophageal cancer. If detected early, esophageal cancer is very treatable.
Bladder Cancer
Cigarette smoking contributes to the development of bladder cancer. According to the University of Virginia, smoking is the root cause of about half of bladder cancer deaths in men and about a third of bladder cancer deaths in women. Bladder cancer is twice as likely to occur in smokers compared to non-smokers.
