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Lung Health: Breathe Easier
Lung Cancer: Know the facts.
Know the Facts
- Smoking is the number one cause of lung cancer.
- Lung cancer is the leading cause of death from cancer in women.
- About 90% of all lung cancer deaths among women are from smoking.
- Women who smoke increase their risk of dying from lung cancer by nearly 12 times compared to women who do not smoke.
- Even though we know its effects are harmful, 1 out of every 5 women in the U.S. still smokes.
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Know Your Risk Factors
Exposure to tobacco smoke is the single biggest risk factor for developing lung cancer.
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Manage Your Risk Factors
- Don't Smoke!
If you do not smoke: Be smart and don't start!
If you do smoke: Get fit and please quit!Women smoke for different reasons. Some women smoke to deal with stress or to control weight. Younger women may start smoking as a way of rebelling, being independent, or being accepted among their peers.
There is never a good reason to smoke and it's best to never start smoking. How Smoking Affects a Woman's Health
When you smoke, you can become addicted to, or dependent on (unable to do without), nicotine. Nicotine is as habit-forming as other drugs, such as heroin or cocaine. Over time, you may develop problems with your teeth and gums and have staining on your teeth, fingers, fingernails, bad breath, and wrinkling skin. Smoking can cause many health problems in women, some of which are serious and even life-threatening. Smoking causes or contributes to lung cancer and other lung diseases, such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
The good news is that you can quit smoking, no matter how old you are or how long you have smoked. There are many good reasons to quit smoking. When you quit, your health and quality of life will improve and you will live longer. You will help safeguard the health of those who live with you by not exposing them to secondhand smoke.
If you smoke and would like help with quitting, please speak with your doctor or call HIP's Quit For Life Quit Smoking Program at 1-866-QUIT-4-LIFE (784-8454) TDD: 1-877-777-6534.
Click here to view a list of other conditions that are caused or exacerbated by smoking.Conditions caused or exacerbated by smoking:
- Cancer of the throat, mouth, esophagus (food pipe), pancreas, kidney, bladder, and cervix (opening to the uterus or womb).
- Arteriosclerosis - clogged and narrowed arteries.
- Heart disease - the #1 killer of women in the United States, including heart attacks.
- Stroke.
- Early menopause - the stopping of menstrual periods.
- Osteoporosis - the thinning and weakening of bones.
- Infertility - problems getting pregnant.
- Problems during pregnancy like miscarriage, early or premature birth, infants born with low birth weight, and even infant death.
- Increased incidence of asthma, pneumonia, bronchitis, and fluid in the middle ear in children exposed to secondhand smoke.
Avoid Secondhand Smoke.
Annually, exposure to secondhand smoke (or environmental tobacco smoke) causes an estimated 3,000 deaths from lung cancer among American adults.
Make your home a smoke free zone. If you or anyone in your family smokes and would like help with quitting, please speak with your doctor or call HIP's Quit For Life Quit Smoking Program at 1-866-QUIT-4-LIFE (784-8454) TDD: 1-877-777-6534.
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Work with Your Doctor
There are medicines available to help you quit and lessen the urge to smoke. Nicotine gum and patches are available over-the-counter (OTC). Prescription medications include Bupropion SR, nicotine nasal spray, nicotine inhalers, and nicotine patches. Your doctor can help you decide what medication will work best for you. Don't forget to always talk to your doctor before taking any OTC medicines, especially when you are pregnant or if you have heart problems.[ back to top ]
