Of the 599 additives used in cigarettes, at least 69 are known to cause cancer, notes Tri-County Cessation Center. Cigarette smoking is responsible for 430,000 deaths annually and is the leading preventable cause of death in the United States. Some of these deaths are caused by various forms of cancer.
Lung Cancer
A smoker is at an increased risk of developing lung cancer. According to Medline Plus, cigarette smoking is almost exclusively responsible for small cell lung cancer, which is the most common type of lung cancer. This type of cancer is aggressive and usually spreads rapidly to other organs, including bones and the brain. Wheezing, bloody phlegm, chest pain and coughing are common signs of lung cancer.
Pancreatic Cancer
Smoking is a risk factor for pancreatic cancer, which often has a poor prognosis, notes MayoClinic.com. Pancreatic cancer usually spreads quickly and is often not diagnosed until it has progressed significantly. Jaundice, blood clots and upper abdominal pain that radiates to your back are symptoms of pancreatic cancer.
Mouth, Esophageal, Larynx and Throat Cancer
The National Cancer Institute notes that mouth, esophageal, larynx and throat cancer are all caused by smoking. Weight loss, trouble eating, sore throat, abnormal breathing sounds, open sores, tumorous growths and fatigue are all symptoms of these types of cancers. In some cases, these cancers may not produce any symptoms until the cancer has progressed significantly.
Other Cancers
Smoking is also a risk factor for other types of cancer, including stomach cancer, cervical cancer and bladder cancer. It is also a risk factor in cases of acute myelogenous leukemia, which is a cancer of the bone marrow and blood, according to MayoClinic.com. All of these types of cancer can progress quickly, and the prognosis depends on when the cancer is diagnosed and your medical history, as well as the treatment options available.
References
- Tri-County Cessation Center: Cigarette Ingredients
- Medline Plus: Lung Cancer
- MayoClinic.com: Pancreatic Cancer
- National Cancer Institute: Harms of Smoking and Health Benefits of Quitting
- MayoClinic.com: Acute Myelogenous Leukemia
- American Lung Association in Washington: Facts About Cigarette Smoking
