What is the most common cause of cancer deaths in both men and women?

What is the most common cause of cancer deaths in both men and women?

• A. Cigarette smoking
• B. Asbestosis
• C. Adenocarcinoma is most common
• D. METS to brain, bone, liver, LN, and adrenals

Answer: (A)

Cigarette smoking is the main driver of cancer deaths because tobacco carcinogens cause mutations that lead to several cancers, most notably lung cancer—the leading cause of cancer mortality in both men and women. This risk factor is far more influential than exposure to asbestos, specific cancer types like adenocarcinoma, or the pattern of metastatic spread. While metastasis describes how cancers spread and contribute to death, the fundamental preventable cause that explains why cancer deaths are highest is tobacco use.

Cigarette smoking is the main driver of cancer deaths because tobacco carcinogens cause mutations that lead to several cancers, most notably lung cancer—the leading cause of cancer mortality in both men and women. This risk factor is far more influential than exposure to asbestos, specific cancer types like adenocarcinoma, or the pattern of metastatic spread. While metastasis describes how cancers spread and contribute to death, the fundamental preventable cause that explains why cancer deaths are highest is tobacco use.