studies on smoking and lung cancer

Numerous studies have shown a strong link between smoking and lung cancer. Researchers observe that cigarette smoke contains harmful chemicals that damage lung cells' DNA, leading to mutations that can cause cancer. Smokers are significantly more likely to develop lung cancer than nonsmokers. The risk increases with the amount and duration of smoking. Quitting smoking reduces this risk over time, highlighting its role in prevention. These studies have been supported by large population analyses and laboratory research, establishing smoking as the leading preventable cause of lung cancer worldwide.