The U.S. government has approved 599 additives for use in cigarettes, notes Tri-County Cessation Center. Some additives are known carcinogens, meaning they are known to cause cancer. Other additives can lead to other health problems. Despite the many warnings and information available about the dangers of smoking, many people still opt to smoke, including some celebrities.
Smoking-Related Cancer Deaths
Smoking can cause acute myeloid leukemia, as well as lung, pancreatic, throat, larynx, mouth, bladder, stomach, cervical, esophageal and stomach cancers. Patrick Swayze died of pancreatic cancer. Humphrey Bogart died of esophageal cancer. Desi Arnaz and John Wayne died of lung cancer. Sammy Davis Jr. died of throat cancer. Naso-pharyngeal cancer claimed the life of Babe Ruth. Hubert Humphrey died from bladder cancer. Jack Wild died of mouth cancer. Despite being a non-smoker, Dana Reeve died of lung cancer attributed to secondhand smoke in nightclubs where her husband, Christopher Reeve, would perform.
Smoking-Related Heart Disease Deaths
Heart attacks, congestive heart failure and heart disease can be caused by smoking. John Candy, Louis Armstrong, F. Scott Fitzgerald, King George VI, Clark Gable, Gracie Allen, Roy Orbison, "Sonic" Fred Smith, Frank Sinatra and Walter Matthau all passed away due to smoking-related heart conditions.
Smoking-Related Lung Disease Deaths
Emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other lung conditions affect smokers. Dean Martin, Dick York, Mary Astor, Johnny Carson, T.S. Eliot, King Edward VII and Bea Benaderet all died of emphysema and other lung conditions, not including lung cancer.
Other Smoking-Related Deaths
Ernie Kovacs died when he was in an accident because he was trying to light a cigar while driving. He suffered a skull fracture, which was considered his cause of death. Jack Cassidy died in a fire that was caused because he was smoking in bed. Patsy Ruff survived a double lung transplant, which was needed due to smoking. She ultimately died of kidney failure, which was likely the result of smoking while taking anti-rejection medications.
References
- National Cancer Institute: Harms of Smoking and Health Benefits of Quitting
- WhyQuit.com: If Tobacco Killed Them Before 60, Why Can't It Kill You Too?
- Tobacco.org: A Few of Our Losses
- The Tobacco Reference Guide: Chapter 41 Personalities, Celebrities, and "Famous Deaths"
- Tri-County Cessation Center: Cigarette Ingredients
