New research shows cigarettes contribute to more than 1 in 4 cancer deaths in the U.S. The rate is highest among men in southern states where smoking is more common and tobacco control policies are less strict. The American Cancer Society study found the highest rate among men in Arkansas, where 40% of cancer deaths were linked to cigarette smoking. Kentucky had the highest rate among women at 29%.
The lowest rates were in Utah, where 22% of cancer deaths in men and 11% in women were linked with smoking.
The researchers analyzed 2014 health surveys and government data. They estimated how many cancer deaths were likely attributable to smoking, and compared that with deaths from all cancers.
