Lung cancer is the disease most identified with smoking, and its prevalence over time mirrors per capita tobacco consumption (Figure 1). Though there has been a reduction in smoking, and we are beginning to see a decline in the prevalence of lung cancer, more people die from lung cancer each year than from any other cancer [4]. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is another serious lung disease attributable to smoking, and it is the 4th leading cause of death in the U.S. Smoking causes the irritation, inflammation, and destruction of lung tissue that leads to COPD and difficulty breathing. Because of the large number of people who smoke and the significant health consequences of tobacco use, it is important to understand factors that contribute to dependence on nicotine.
