Facts about Smoking

Smoking kills approximately 438,000 Americans annually. This number is higher than illegal drug use, HIV, murder, alcohol, motor vehicle accidents and suicide combined. But, for a number of reasons, millions of people worldwide pick up their first cigarette each year.
Ethnic Groups
Smoking is especially hazardous to African Americans and other ethnic groups. For example, the risk of developing a smoking-related cancer is almost twice as high in these groups as in Caucasians.
Lung Cancer
Men are more likely to die from smoking-related lung cancer than women. The exact cause for this is unknown. However, Harvard University research speculates that it is because men inhale more deeply than women, which would cause more of the irritants in the smoke to enter the body.
Coronary Artery Disease
Cigarette smokers are two to four times more likely to develop coronary artery disease and/or strokes than non-smokers. This is because smoking causes the arteries and blood vessels to narrow.
Women
Women who smoke are more likely to suffer from fractures after falls and other impacts. This is especially common after menopause, when a woman’s bones begin to naturally lose density. Smoking affects the oxygen level throughout the body, which affects the bones.
Cessation Programs
While millions of people start smoking each year, almost as many choose to stop smoking. Many of these people will succeed. However, others will relapse and begin smoking again.
Because of the health risks associated with smoking, drug companies are working to develop smoking cessation products. Some of these are already on the market. They include lozenges, patches, gum and inhalers.