Why is avoiding tobacco products crucial in cancer prevention?
Avoiding tobacco products is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of developing cancer. Tobacco contains numerous harmful chemicals that can damage the DNA in cells, leading to mutations and the uncontrolled cell growth characteristic of cancer. Smoking cigarettes, using smokeless tobacco, and exposure to secondhand smoke are all linked to an increased risk of various cancers, including lung, mouth, throat, esophagus, pancreas, bladder, and kidney cancers.