How Does Smoking Lead to Cancer?

Tobacco smoke contains about 70 carcinogenic (cancer causing) substances. Some of these harmful substances are - carbon monoxide, tar, arsenic, cyanide, benzene, formaldehyde, methanol, acetylene, ammonia, lead

etc. The cancer-causing agents (carcinogens) in tobacco smoke enter the lungs on inhalation. From there they spread to the rest of the body and damage important genes. They mutate the DNA that controls the growth of cells, causing them to grow abnormally

or to reproduce in a haphazard manner. The carcinogen carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin in red blood cells. This prevents the affected RBCs from carrying a full load of oxygen. The carcinogen benzo[a]pyrene binds to cells in the airways and major organs of smokers. Smokers have lower levels of antioxidants in their blood, which prevents the damaged cells from repairing themselves. Smoking affects the function of the immune system and may increase the risk for respiratory and other infections.

Published on Nov 28, 2014
Last Updated on Aug 18, 2016

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Guest

What is cancer?

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mrazaabbas

Well, it is very latest information for me to get to know about such a dangerous cancers which are caused just by smoking, i am now abiding smoking. stop smoking shot

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prosmokestore

Smoking is so bad and dangerous that no one can explain.It is injurious to health,body,internal parts of body and Life. vapor cigarette

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Lawrence98

Smoking can affect various parts of the body. First of all, cigarettes contain carcinogens, which are substances that cause cancer. The cancer that cigarettes are going to lead to is most very likely lung cancer. The organs that are going to be affected are for sure lungs. Lung cancer contains a process known as metastasis, which will spread the effect to other parts of the body. Hi, I am 13 years old and I really enjoy medical studies.

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towercam

Why is your/the page - about the contents of a cigarette even up? It's a waste of time. People are searching for the WHOLE THING, not just some micro entry! Phooey. Thanks for the waste of time. Lay it all out! The full and complete list of ALL the dangerous poisonous stuff or at least give a link to a page that DOES have it all. At this time, your page of cigarette contents is a pretender, an anemic version of what most are looking for.

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