[Acceptance of genetic technology as an approach to cancer therapy]

The importance of smoking as the most important single cause of death and morbidity is shown. A literature review numbers the most important carcinogens in tobacco and tobacco smoke. Findings of aspects of carcinogenesis and discussions concerning the problem of passive smoking are illustrated as well as their connection with the rise of bronchial carcinoma. It is concluded that in no other carcinoma by evident means--as for instance reduction of cigarette consume--comparable beneficial results could be obtained as in the case of bronchial carcinoma.