Smoking is the major risk factor in about 30 percent of all United States cancer deaths yearly. Of those who die from lung cancer, nearly 90 percent of these deaths are caused by cigarette smoking.

There is no question that there is strong evidence linking smoking and cancer. Many studies have proved that smoking causes lung cancer. We now know that it also increases a person's risk of developing other cancers, such as cancer of the:
* voice box, throat and oral cavity,
* esophagus,
* bladder,
* kidney, and
* pancreas.

A strong association exists between smoking and cancer of the cervix, as well. All forms of tobacco use, not just smoking, are related to cancer. The risk of developing lung and other cancers is related to:
* the amount of tobacco used each day,
* the age at which tobacco use began, and
* the number of years a person has used tobacco.

We now know that exposure to environmental tobacco smoke increases a nonsmoker's risk for lung cancer. This is the smoke that nonsmokers are exposed to when they are near those who smoke.

Does quitting smoking do any good? You bet it does! A smoker's risk of developing lung and other cancers is reduced by quitting. The risk decreases right away, and continues to decrease each year. The risk for other cancers and respiratory diseases associated with smoking are also lessened.

To learn more information about the health risks of smoking write: the Office on Smoking and Health, Centers forDisease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, Rhodes Building/NE Mail Stop K-50, Atlanta, GA 30333.

For information on how to quit, call the National Cancer Institute at (800) 4-CANCER or your local branch of the American Lung Association.

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