Final answer:
Smoking causes about 90% of lung cancer cases in men and women due to the carcinogens in tobacco smoke. The effects of smoking on lung cancer mortality can take years to manifest, highlighting the importance of reducing smoking rates for public health.
Step-by-step explanation:
Smoking is responsible for approximately 90% of lung cancer cases in both men and women. This high percentage is due to the presence of around 50 known carcinogens in tobacco smoke, which significantly increases the risk of developing lung cancer. The relationship between tobacco smoke and cancer can take many years to result in a diagnosis, as the effects of smoking are cumulative and typically require prolonged exposure.
Given the substantial evidence from various research studies, including experimental studies, and data reflecting the connection between smoking rates and lung cancer mortality, it's clear that smoking is a leading cause of lung cancer. Awareness and education on this topic are vital in efforts to decrease the prevalence of lung cancer and promote public health.