Definition
A cancer diagnosis represents a heterogeneous class of diseases characterized by uncontrolled growth of malignant cells in the body. These cells form a tumor that starts in the epithelium, invades organs of the body and nearby tissue, has the capacity to metastasize to other sites through the bloodstream or lymph nodes, and may recur after surgical removal. The development of cancer may be influenced by hereditary and/or environmental factors.
Tobacco smoking is defined as the practice of burning and inhaling tobacco. The combustion from the burning allows the nicotine, tar, and other chemicals and toxins to be absorbed through the lungs. Cigarette smoking is the most prevalent form of consuming tobacco. Most national surveys define a current smoker as having smoked at least 100 (five packs) cigarettes in their lifetime and currently smokes on at least some days.
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References and Readings
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Hooper, M.W. (2013). Cancer and Smoking. In: Gellman, M.D., Turner, J.R. (eds) Encyclopedia of Behavioral Medicine. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-1005-9_234
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