Quit smoking now

Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Cancer Institute (NCI), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

Tobacco use remains the single most preventable cause of cancer worldwide. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 2020 Report, tobacco is responsible for more than 8 million deaths worldwide each year, with more than 480,000 deaths in the U.S. alone, including deaths from exposure to secondhand smoke. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cigarette smoking is linked to approximately 30% of all cancer deaths in the United States and about 90% of lung cancer deaths. The connection between smoking and cancer is direct, devastating, and scientifically well-established.

How Tobacco Causes Cancer

Tobacco smoke contains more than 7,000 chemicals, of which at least 70 are known carcinogens. These substances damage the DNA in our cells and weaken the body’s ability to repair genetic errors. Over time, these mutations accumulate, leading to the uncontrolled cell growth that characterizes cancer.

Smoking has been conclusively linked to:

• Lung cancer
• Throat, mouth, and esophageal cancers
• Pancreatic cancer
• Bladder and kidney cancers
• Cervical cancer
• Stomach and liver cancers
• Colon and rectal cancers

Even non-smokers are at risk: secondhand smoke exposure causes over 7,000 cancer-related deaths annually in the U.S.

Risks

The risk of cancer increases with both the number of cigarettes smoked per day and the duration of smoking (National Cancer Institute, 2022):

• A person who smokes one pack a day for 20 years increases their lung cancer risk by more than 20 times compared to a non-smoker.
• Smoking just 5 cigarettes per day still carries a significantly higher risk of cancer than not smoking at all.
• The longer you smoke, the more cumulative DNA damage occurs, compounding cancer risk.

However, the good news is: stopping smoking reduces risk immediately and significantly (CDC, 2022).

• 1 year after quitting: excess risk for heart disease is cut in half.
• 5–10 years after quitting: risk for cancers of the mouth, throat, and esophagus drops by 50%.
• 10–15 years after quitting: risk of lung cancer drops by up to 50% compared to continuing smokers.

Help

Quitting smoking is not easy but it is possible, and help is available:

In the U.S., resources include:

• 1-800-QUIT-NOW: A free, confidential helpline that connects callers with local quit support and resources.
• Smokefree.gov: Offers personalized quit plans, expert support, and digital tools.
• CDC’s Tips From Former Smokers Campaign: Real stories and guidance to inspire and motivate.
• Nicotine Replacement Therapies (NRTs): Available over-the-counter (patches, gum, lozenges) or by prescription (inhalers, nasal spray).
• Medications: Such as Bupropion (Zyban) and Varenicline (Chantix), prescribed to reduce withdrawal and cravings.
• Mobile apps and text message programs: Like SmokefreeTXT and QuitGuide for on-the-go support.

At SHRO, we emphasize that prevention begins with a single step and for many, quitting tobacco is that first, life-saving decision. Every cigarette not smoked is a step away from cancer.

Protect your future. Breathe freely. Choose today to quit.