Lung Cancer from Smoking, Incidence of Lung Cancer, Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS), Secondhand Tobacco Smoking Health Risks

The main cause of lung cancer is smoking. It is also caused by exposure to carcinogens such as asbestos.

Tobacco smoking has been recognized as a leading cause of disease and loss of human lives. Numerous scientific studies have confirmed that smoking is indeed a major health hazard.

For over past two decades, the U.S. government has been estimating the number of Americans whose lives are lost prematurely because of smoking related diseases. According to current U.S. government calculations, approximately 430,000 lives are lost each year in the United States as a result of tobacco smoking. Some other studies suggest this number to be somewhere between 600,000 to 700,000.

Active tobacco smoking has not only been linked to lung cancer, it is also associated with an array of other diseases -some of which are listed below:

• Cancers of the esophagus, larynx, lip, mouth, pharynx, tongue, kidney, pancreas, urinary bladder, and uterine cervix.
• Cardiovascular disease, including aortic aneurysm, angina, atherosclerosis, coronary heart attack, and stroke.
• Chronic obstructive respiratory lung diseases such as chronic bronchitis, and emphysema.
• Increased risk of respiratory complications such as bronchitis, common colds, influenza, and pneumonia.
• For women, smoking impairs fertility, and brings on premature menopause.
• Increases the risk for osteoporosis and gum disease.
• Increases risk of premature hearing loss, and vision problems.

The above smoking related complications have been well-documented. However, the risks that non-smokers are faced with because of "Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS)" or "Secondhand Tobacco Smoking (STS)" are being studies only (relatively) recently.

Additional information available on: Lung Cancer Causes, Lung Cancer Risk Factors, Lung Cancer Early Signs, Lung Cancer Symptoms, Lung Cancer Early Diagnosis, Staging of Lung Cancer Tumors, Lung Cancer Treatment, Lung Cancer Vaccine, Lung Cancer Prognosis, Small Cell Lung Cancer, - SCLC, Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer - NSCLC, Mixed Small Cell/Large Cell Lung Cancer, Asbestos, Asbestosis, Mesothelioma, Lung Cancer Caused by Asbestos Exposure, Pleural Mesothelioma, Peritoneal Mesothelioma, Pericardial Mesothelioma, Mesothelioma Diagnosis, Mesothelioma Symptoms, Mesothelioma Treatment, Mesothelioma Drugs, Mesothelioma Surgery, Mesothelioma Chemotherapy Drugs, and Mesothelioma Radiation Therapy.

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Note: Consult a qualified medical practitioner if you suspect lung disease. Information published at this mesothelioma lung disease asbestos cancer forum - or most other websites for that matter - should not be relied upon for health decisions. The information presented on this web site is not intended as a substitute for medical care, medical, legal, or professional advise. Please talk with your healthcare provider for all your health concerns.