Women who smoke are at increased cardiovascular disease. Those who smoke and use oral contraceptives face a greater risk of coronary heart disease and stroke. Cigarette smoking is a major cause of lung cancer in women and is responsible for about 90% of lung cancer cases in the world. In 2000, lung cancer, for the first time surpassed breast cancer as the most common cause of cancer deaths in western women.
Smoking increases the risk of cancers of the cavity, esophagus, larynx, bladder, kidneys, pancreas, liver, anus and blood. Women are at greater risk of all the specific cancers, with an increased risk of cervical and vulvar cancer. Women smokers are at greater risk of the problems relating to menstrual function reproductive outcomes and menopause. These women are more likely to experience reduce fertility delays in conceiving. Despite the known health risk to themselves and their unborn child, a high proportion of women continue to smoke during pregnancy. Women smokers may also face difficulties during pregnancy and childbirth, including pregnancy complications, miscarriage and premature babies. There are greater risks of low birth weight, infant stillbirth and neonatal deaths and sudden infant death syndrome. Women smokers are less likely to breastfeed and if they do, they are more likely to wean their babies earlier. Smoking effects the breast milk by exposing infants to nicotine as well as altering the flavour of milk.
Most common reasons why women smoke:
- A social situation such as being with friends, in pubs, or clubs, out drinking, over coffee and tea breaks etc.
- During stressful situations (for example when driving)
- Boredom
- Loneliness
- Managing moods
- To maintain weight or to assist in losing weight.
Quit Line: 011 720 3145
Inquiries:
Harry Mchunu082 444 9501
012 312 0532
Zanele Mthembu
082 574 3777
012 312 0165Peter Ucko: 082 454 9889
Director of National Council Against Smoking
