Smoking Risks

In 2001, the Office of the U.S. Surgeon General released a report entitled Women and Smoking that included the following:

“ When calling attention to public health problems, we must not misuse the word ‘epidemic.' But there is no better word to describe the 600-percent increase since 1950 in women's death rates for lung cancer, a disease primarily caused by cigarette smoking. Clearly, smoking-related disease among women is a full-blown epidemic. ”

We currently know that smoking cigarettes is bad for our health. And we know that THE most preventable cause of premature death is smoking. We also know that women who smoke have an increased risk of lung cancer and breast cancer along with a selection of other grim diseases.

And yet, women continue to smoke and teenage girls continue to take up the habit. Do yourself and every woman you know a huge favor and stop smoking now. If you don't smoke, gently encourage someone who does to quit.

Need help? Try this how-to-quit-smoking resource:

Out of the Ashes: Help for People Who Have Quit Smoking

>> What's in a Cigarette

>> Women and Quitting Smoking

>> Benefits of Quitting Smoking

>> Secondary Benefits of Quitting Smoking

>> Second-Hand Smoke

>> Second-Hand Smoke Facts

>> Controlling Second-Hand Smoke