Health Effects of Cigarette Smoking

Cigarette smoking harms nearly every organ of the body, causing numerous diseases and generally reducing the health of smokers. Quitting smoking and avoiding all tobacco products can significantly lower your risk of smoking-related diseases and add years to your life. By choosing to quit, you take a vital step towards better health, improved quality of life, and a brighter future free from the harmful effects of tobacco. Embrace the benefits of a tobacco-free lifestyle and make the decision to quit today.

Cigarette smoking is the primary cause of preventable death in the United States.

The CDC has listed statistics on smoking and health.

• Cigarette smoking causes more than 480,000 deaths each year in the United States. This is nearly one in five deaths.
• Smoking causes more deaths each year than the following causes combined:
  • Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
  • Illegal drug use
  • Alcohol use
  • Motor vehicle injuries
  • Firearm-related incidents
• More than 10 times as many U.S. citizens have died prematurely from cigarette smoking than have died in all the wars fought by the United States.
• Smoking causes about 90% (or 9 out of 10) of all lung cancer deaths. More women die from lung cancer each year than from breast cancer.
• Smoking causes about 80% (or 8 out of 10) of all deaths from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• Cigarette smoking increases risk for death from all causes in men and women.
• The risk of dying from cigarette smoking has increased over the last 50 years in the U.S.

Smoking can also lead to increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer.

• Estimates show smoking increases the risk:
  • For coronary heart disease by 2 to 4 times^1,6
  • For stroke by 2 to 4 times¹
  • Of men developing lung cancer by 25 times¹
  • Of women developing lung cancer by 25.7 times¹
• Smoking causes diminished overall health, increased absenteeism from work, and increased health care utilization and cost.

Quitting smoking is one of the most important actions people can take to improve their health. This is true regardless of their age or how long they have been smoking. Visit the Benefits of Quitting page for more information about how quitting smoking can improve your health.

Smoking is incredibly harmful and introduces many harmful toxins and chemicals into your body. If you are struggling with smoking addiction don’t hesitate to seek help. Reach out to your health care provider or mental health worker to find the best cessation treatment options for you.

The Minnesota tobacco flavor ban aims to protect youth from the harmful effects of flavored tobacco products.

Reference: https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/fact_sheets/health_effects/effects_cig_smoking/index.htm