The relationship between smoking and health--a review of the evidence. 1964

From the clinical and public health viewpoint, the data from retrospective and prospective investigations justify acceptance of an effective etiological relationship between smoking and disease, especially lung cancer. This conclusion has been reached by a number of official scientific bodies in many countries. From the practical standpoint we must agree that the scientific evidence establishes beyond reasonable doubt that cigarette smoking is a causative factor in the rapidly increasing incidence of human lung cancer. This evidence is adequate for application in clinical preventive medicine and the initiation of public health measures.