Cancer Mortality Among a Representative Sample of Nonsmokers in the United States During 1966–681

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Abstract
Data are presented on cancer and total mortality among a representative sample of nonsmokers and the total population 35–84 years of age in the United States during 1966–68 that measured the influence of cigarette smoking on mortality rates, independent of other health-related factors. Of all U.S. white males, those who never smoked cigarettes have a total age-adjusted cancer death rate which is 37% less than that of males as a whole and 53% less than that of those who currently smoke cigarettes. Correspondingly, of all U.S. white females, those who never smoked cigarettes have a total age-adjusted cancer death rate which is 15% less than females as a whole and 33% less than that of those who currently smoke cigarettes. The largest cancer rate reduction in the nonsmokers is concentrated in the respiratory system. Nonsmokers have an age-adjusted total death rate which is about 20% less than the population as a whole and about 43% less than current cigarette smokers. These and other results and methodologic issues are discussed.

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