Cigarette smoking is responsible for 87% of lung cancer cases and for about 30% of all cancer deaths. Those who smoke two or more packs of cigarettes a day have lung cancer mortality rates 15-25 times greater than nonsmokers. Environmental tobacco smoke, or second-hand smoke, causes 3000 deaths from lung cancer each year in nonsmoking adults.
Nutrition
Risk for colon, breast and uterine cancers increases in obese people. High-fat diets may contribute to the development of certain cancers such as breast, colon, and prostate. High-fiber foods may help reduce risk of colon cancer. A varied diet containing plenty of vegetables and fruits rich in vitamins A and C may reduce risk for cancers of larynx, esophagus, stomach, and lung. Salt-cured, smoked, and nitrite-cured foods have been linked to esophageal and stomach cancer.
Sunlight
Almost all of the more than 800,000 cases of non-melanoma skin cancer developed each year in the United States are considered to be sun-related. Sun exposure is also a major factor in the development of melanoma, and the incidence increases for those living near the equator.
Alcohol
Oral cancer and cancers of the larynx, throat, esophagus, and liver occur more frequently among heavy drinkers of alcohol.
Smokeless Tobacco
Use of chewing tobacco or snuff increases risk for cancers of the mouth, larynx, throat, and esophagus.
Radiation
Excessive exposure to ionizing radiation can increase cancer risk. Most medical and dental X rays are adjusted to deliver the lowest dose possible without sacrificing image quality. Excessive radon exposure in the home may increase lung cancer, especially in cigarette smokers.
Occupational Hazards
Exposure to a number of industrial agents (nickel, chromate, asbestos, vinyl chloride, etc.) increases risk of various cancers. Risk from asbestos is greatly increased when combined with smoking.
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