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Smoking is by far the most common cause of lung cancer. It is responsible for 8 out of 10 deaths from the disease.^{1 2}Men who smoke are 22 times more likely to die from lung cancer than those who don't smoke. Women who smoke have a 12-fold greater risk of dying from lung cancer than nonsmokers.

Smoking leads to cancer because cells in the lung become damaged by poisonous chemicals in cigarette smoke. And, over time, these cells become cancerous.

How much you smoke is important, too. If you smoke less than half a pack per day, you're 15 times more likely to die from lung cancer than a nonsmoker. If you smoke one or two packs daily, you're 42 times more likely to die from lung cancer than someone who doesn't smoke.¹

Switching to a different brand with less tar or less nicotine does not make any difference to your risk of getting lung cancer. There's no such thing as a safer cigarette. The poisonous chemicals in smoke that can cause lung cancer are also found in marijuana cigarettes, so these are not a safe option.

Smoking cigars or a pipe also gives you a higher chance of getting lung cancer, even if you don't inhale.³

Living or working in a smoky atmosphere makes it more likely you will get lung cancer, even if you don't smoke. This is called passive smoking. Living with a smoker increases your risk of lung cancer by one-third.¹ In 1990, the Environmental Protection Agency estimated that between 3,000 and 4,000 deaths from lung cancer were caused by passive smoking.¹

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment. ©BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2008. All rights reserved.