Smoking causes 40 percent of cancers

More than 12,000 people in Saudi Arabia suffer from cancer every year, and tobacco smoking remains the cause of 40 percent of cancer cases there, according to an Arab News story quoting local media and data released by the World Health Organization.

About 40 percent of the cancer cases could be prevented, the story said, with the provision of a smoke-free environment and through exercise, a balanced diet, avoiding obesity and keeping away from direct sunlight.

Besides being a cause of cancer, smoking was a major contributor to gum disease and tooth decay.

Additionally, smoking caused mouth and gum cancer, said Dr. Khalid Al-Qahtani, of Dallah Hospital.

Based on global statistics, lung cancer cases among smokers were 14 times higher than those among nonsmokers, Al-Qahtani said.

“It has been proved that smoking is the major cause of cancer of the oral cavity, larynx, esophagus, liver, bladder and pancreas,” he added.