In 1920, lung cancer accounted for one percent of cancers in the United States. Today it is the most common cause of cancer death. The longer and the more packs per day a person smokes increases the person's risk for lung cancer. Cigar and pipe smoking are almost as likely to cause lung cancer as cigarette smoking. People who don't smoke but use smokeless tobacco are at increased risk for mouth, throat, and other cancers.
Smoking also affects non-smokers who breathe the smoke of others.
Also, workers who are exposed to tobacco smoke in the workplace are also more likely to develop lung cancer than those workers who are not exposed to tobacco smoke. Stopping smoking is the best way to reduce the risk of lung cancer. Always consult your own doctor about any opinions or recommendations with respect to your symptoms or medical condition. Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center .