Oncologists Urge People to Take This Common Cancer Risk Factor Seriously

Secondhand smoke exposure is a major preventable cancer risk factor, experts warn.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Oncologists are stressing the importance of monitoring exposure to smoke and tobacco products, as secondhand smoke can significantly increase the risk of developing various types of cancer, including lung, breast, and head and neck cancers. They emphasize that you don't have to be an active smoker to be at risk, as secondhand smoke from sources like campfires, grills, and wildfires can also contribute to cancer development.

Why it matters

Cancer is a leading cause of death, and oncologists want to raise awareness about this preventable risk factor. Controlling exposure to smoke and tobacco can significantly lower one's cancer risk, yet many people underestimate the dangers of secondhand smoke.

The details

Smoke from cigarettes, pipes, and cigars contains harmful chemicals like nicotine, benzene, arsenic, and formaldehyde that can damage the airways, blood vessels, and DNA, leading to cancer. Importantly, 10-20% of lung cancer patients have never smoked, often due to secondhand smoke exposure. Other sources of smoke exposure include campfires, grilling, fireplaces, automobiles, and long-term wildfire exposure. Smoking can also increase the risk of head and neck, bladder, esophageal, kidney, stomach, liver, cervical, ovarian, and bowel cancers, as well as acute myeloid leukemia.

  • The National Cancer Institute predicted over 2 million new cancer cases and 618,120 cancer deaths in 2025.

The players

Dr. Sandy Kotiah

The director of The Neuroendocrine Tumor Center at Mercy in Baltimore.

Dr. Amna Sher

A medical oncologist at the Stony Brook Cancer Center.

Dr. Bradley Hiatt

Of Mission Cancer + Blood, a part of University of Iowa Health Care.

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What they’re saying

“Smoke from cigarettes, pipes and cigars has dangerous chemicals such as nicotine, benzene, arsenic, formaldehyde, among others, which damage the airways, blood vessels and heart. These chemicals also damage the DNA, which can cause mutations and lead to cancer development.”

— Dr. Amna Sher, Medical Oncologist, Stony Brook Cancer Center (Parade)

“Secondhand smoke leads to inhalation of dangerous chemicals, which are carcinogens and contribute to the development of lung cancer as well as breast cancer, nasal sinus cavity cancer and nasopharyngeal cancer in adults.”

— Dr. Amna Sher, Medical Oncologist, Stony Brook Cancer Center (Parade)

“It's commonly understood that smoking is a cause of lung cancer, but these additional types of cancer are why it is important for those who smoke and the providers who care for these individuals to be aware of them, so that appropriate screening can be performed.”

— Dr. Bradley Hiatt, Mission Cancer + Blood, University of Iowa Health Care (Parade)

What’s next

People who currently smoke can take proactive steps to quit, such as working with their primary care provider or pulmonologist to get prescriptions for nicotine replacement or other medications to aid in quitting. Resources like 1-800-QUIT-NOW, Smokefree.gov, and quit-smoking apps can also help.

The takeaway

Controlling exposure to smoke and tobacco, whether from active smoking or secondhand sources, is a crucial step in lowering cancer risk. By being aware of this common yet preventable risk factor and taking steps to minimize exposure, individuals can significantly improve their long-term health outcomes.