Smoking and cancer

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in Canada. It is estimated that smoking is related to more than 85% of lung cancer cases in Canada.

Smokers are about 10 to 20 times more likely to develop lung cancer than non-smokers. The longer a person smokes and the more cigarettes smoked each day, the more the risk increases. Smokers are also at a higher risk if they are exposed to radon or certain chemicals in their workplace and continue to smoke. 

Most forms of lung cancer develop gradually and do not produce any symptoms until the disease is advanced. This makes it difficult to find lung cancer early enough for a cure.

Non-smokers and lung cancer
Each year, more than 250 Canadians die from lung cancer as a result of long-term exposure to the tobacco smoked by other people (second-hand smoke) at home, at work and when they’re out and about. 

Some lung cancers may also be due to exposure to radon gas and certain chemicals in the workplace.

Smoking can also increase the risk of developing the following types of cancer: bladder, cervix, colon and rectum, esophagus, kidney, larynx, mouth and throat, pancreas, stomach, nasal cavity, liver, myelogenous leukemia and some types of ovarian tumours.