I am Marc Manley, Acting Associate Director of the Behavioral Research Program at the National Cancer Institute. I have worked in NCI's tobacco control research program for more than 10 years. I am very pleased to be able to testify before you today about one of the most serious public health problems facing our country. The National Cancer Institute conducts and supports research, training, health information dissemination, and other programs with respect to the cause, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of cancer, rehabilitation from cancer, and the continuing care of cancer patients and the families of cancer patients.
Tobacco use is responsible for approximately one-third of all cancers.
Foremost among the cancers caused by tobacco is lung cancer, which is the number one cancer killer in both men and women. In addition to lung cancer, mortality attributable to current and past tobacco use has also been linked to cancers at other sites including lip, oral cavity, pharynx, esophagus, pancreas, larynx, trachea, cervix uteri, urinary bladder, and kidney. Cancers at several other sites have also been suggested to be linked to tobacco use and these putative associations are currently under study. The exposure to the cigarette smoke of others is also a significant issue. The NCI has been a leader in tobacco-related research for three decades, and will remain committed to reducing the burden of all cancers.