Tobacco use causes many types of cancer

Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of cancer deaths. It causes at least 12 types of cancer. People who use tobacco or are exposed to secondhand smoke are more likely to get and die from cancer. Cigarette smoking causes 3 in 10 of all cancer deaths.

• Tobacco smoke has at least 70 chemicals that cause cancer.
• Exposure to secondhand smoke also causes cancer.
• States and communities can help by protecting nonsmokers with restrictions on smoking in public places, by supporting comprehensive cancer control programs focused on tobacco, and by making quit-smoking resources more available to those who want to quit.

Quitting smoking at any age can reduce the risk of getting or dying from cancer. Getting screened for cancer can lead to fewer people getting or dying from some tobacco-related cancers.