Cancer sticks in very sad return about English setback? (10)

'cancer sticks' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being plural nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'very sad return about english setback?' is the wordplay.
'very sad' becomes 'tragic' (tragic can mean very sad or unfortunate).
'return' says the letters should be written in reverse.
'about' indicates putting letters inside.
'english' becomes 'E' (abbreviation).
'setback?' becomes 'tes' (I've seen this in other clues).
'tragic' written backwards gives 'cigart'.
'cigart' enclosing 'e' is 'cigaret'.
'cigaret'+'tes'='CIGARETTES'

'in' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?