Smoking and Lung Cancer: Public Health Perspectives

Abstract

This chapter reviews the relationship between smoking and lung cancer from a public health perspective. It begins with an overview of smoking in historical perspective including early research in the field of lung cancer. It covers current epidemiological trends in smoking and lung cancer as well as nutritional and physical activity epidemiology (behavioral risk factor modification) in the context of risk and lung cancer in smokers. It also covers the relationship between smoking, lung cancer, and various environmental exposures which compound the over risk. Finally, it concludes with assessing different types of intervention strategies for cigarette smoking cessation. This chapter found that physical activity can reduce the risk of lung cancer in existing smokers. A balanced diet is beneficial, but it is too early to make recommendations on altering vitamin intake. Studies on vitamin C, for example, demonstrate mixed results. However, beta-carotene appears to increase the risk of lung cancer in smokers based on findings in the prevailing literature. Red meat consumption also appears to increase lung cancer risk in existing smokers. Exposure to radon and asbestos in the environment also significantly increases the risk of lung cancer in smokers. It is never too late to quit smoking, as the prevailing literature indicates that lung cancer risk is reduced when individuals quit smoking. Nicotine replacement therapy and psychological counselling, including mindfulness-based therapies, are effective intervention strategies for smoking cessation.