Why Does Smoking Cause Lung Cancer?

April 5, 2024 | by Yashaswi Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's

Lung Cancer

Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, responsible for around 85% of cases in the United States. The relationship between smoking and lung cancer is complex, but there are several mechanisms by which smoking contributes to the development of lung cancer:

  • Carcinogens in Tobacco Smoke: Tobacco smoke contains over 7,000 chemicals, many of which are carcinogenic (cancer-causing). These include chemicals such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), benzene, formaldehyde, and nitrosamines. When these carcinogens are inhaled, they can damage the DNA in cells within the lungs, leading to mutations that can result in cancerous growth.
  • Direct Damage to Lung Tissue: The smoke from cigarettes and other tobacco products irritates the lining of the lungs, causing inflammation and damage to lung tissue. Over time, this damage can lead to the development of cancerous tumors.
  • Formation of DNA Adducts: Certain chemicals in tobacco smoke can bind to DNA, forming structures known as DNA adducts. These adducts can interfere with the normal functioning of DNA and increase the likelihood of mutations that contribute to cancer development.
  • Impaired DNA Repair Mechanisms: Tobacco smoke can also impair the body’s ability to repair damaged DNA. Normally, cells have mechanisms in place to repair DNA damage and prevent the accumulation of mutations. However, smoking can disrupt these repair processes, allowing mutations to accumulate and increase the risk of cancer.
  • Promotion of Angiogenesis and Metastasis: Smoking can promote the growth of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) that supply oxygen and nutrients to tumors, allowing them to grow and spread more rapidly. Smoking also increases the likelihood of cancer cells metastasizing (spreading) to other parts of the body, including distant organs.
  • Weakening of the Immune System: Smoking can weaken the immune system, making it less effective at recognizing and destroying cancerous cells. This can allow cancer to develop and progress more easily.

Overall, the combination of carcinogens, DNA damage, impaired repair mechanisms, and other effects of smoking contribute to an increased risk of developing lung cancer. Quitting smoking is the single most effective way to reduce this risk, and the sooner a person quits, the greater the reduction in risk over time.

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