Women and Smoking, Killer Combination

Fast Facts About Women and Smoking

• Heart disease is the #1 killer of women in the United States. Cigarette smoking doubles your risk.



• Women who smoke have more heart attacks, cancers, oral health problems, and lung conditions.



• Since 1987, lung cancer kills many more women every year than breast cancer.



• Unlike so many other health conditions or diseases, you have the power to prevent yourself from suffering from smoking-related illnesses or death. The benefits of not smoking start within days of quitting.



• Working women smokers report more days lost from work due to illness and injury than working women who do not smoke.



• Smoking may affect your ability to get pregnant.



• Smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, premature or early delivery, and infants born with low birth weight.



• Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) occurs 2 times more often among babies of smoking mothers.



• Teens who smoke are 3 times more likely than teens who don't smoke to use alcohol, 8 times more likely to use marijuana, and 22 times more likely to use cocaine. Smoking is also related to other risky behaviors, such as fighting and engaging in unprotected sex.

For much more, please visit the following areas:

• Smoking and Quitting Smoking Center
• Heart Disease Prevention Center
• Disease Prevention in Women

Portions of the above information has been provided with the kind permission of the National Women's Health Information Center ( http://www.4women.gov/).

Last Editorial Review: 2/1/2005

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