Wednesday 13th March
Scientists at The Institute of Cancer Research are urging the public to give up smoking on National No Smoking Day (13th March) as research proves the habit is linked to at least 14 different types of cancer which cause around 70,000 deaths every year.
Lung cancer is highly publicised as being inextricably linked with smoking. It accounts for one in seven new cases of cancer and only five per cent of patients survive more than five years after diagnosis.
However researchers are emphasising that smoking can cause many other cancers. Tens of thousands of women in the UK are infected every year with the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus (HPV) and scientists at The Institute have proved that women with HPV who smoke are more likely to develop a precursor of cervical cancer.
And smoking is connected with many other forms of the disease including cancer of the liver, the oesophagus, the 'voice-box' and the stomach.
A former Director of The Institute, the late Sir Ernest Kennaway, recognised the link between smoking and cancer as long ago as the 1930s. Further research confirmed his theory, yet cigarette production continues to rise by 2.2 per cent annually
Research also shows that smoking is associated with at least eight other serious medical conditions, including heart attacks, strokes, emphysema and cataracts and can also lead to reduced fertility and lower infant birth weight.
Professor David Phillips, scientist at The Institute of Cancer Research comments: "Our message is stark and simple - smoking causes cancer - many different types of cancer. We need to continue to educate smokers on the damage that tobacco smoke inflicts on their bodies in so many ways.
Some people may not be aware that tobacco smoke which can be inhaled by non-smokers actually contains higher concentrations of identified carcinogens than the smoke inhaled directly by smokers. Women should know that research suggests smoking is an even greater health risk for them than it is for male smokers."
Researchers have identified more than 3,500 different chemicals in the particles of tobacco smoke. At least 43 of these chemicals have been shown to be carcinogens capable of causing cancer.
- ends -
For further information, please contact The Institute of Cancer Research press office on 020 7970 6056/07721 747 900.
Notes to editors
- Smoking has been linked to cancer in the following areas: Lung, Respiratory Tract, Upper Digestive Tract, Pancreas, Renal Pelvis, Bladder, Mouth, Pharynx (behind the nose), Larynx (voice box), Oesophagus (gullet), Stomach, Liver, Cervix and Kidney
- In addition to cancer, smokers are at increased risk of: Stroke, Heart attack, Peripheral Vascular Disease, Aortic Aneurysm, Emphysema, Bronchitis, Cataract and delayed bone healing
- Smoking is also related to: reduced fertility, excessive bleeding during pregnancy and lower infant birth weight
- The Institute of Cancer Research is a centre of excellence with some of the world's leading scientists working on cutting edge research. It was founded in 1909 to carry out research into the causes of cancer and to develop new strategies for its prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care.
- The Institute works in a unique partnership with The Royal Marsden Hospital, which enables scientific discoveries to be translated quickly into patient care.
Please note:
Unfortunately the press office are unable to answer queries from the general public. For general cancer information please refer to The Institute's cancer information page.