Smoking

Women who smoke put their health at risk. Smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm delivery, and low birth weight. Smoking increases the risk for a lot of diseases, including cancer, heart attacks, oral diseases, and lung problems. In fact, lung cancer is the largest single cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. For years, men were at higher risk for lung cancer because of their higher smoking rates. However, with the rising number of women who smoke, lung cancer surpassed breast cancer in 1987 as the leading cause of cancer deaths among women. It is the leading cause of cancer death among American Indians and Alaska Natives. American Indians and Alaska Natives have the highest smoking rates and use of smokeless tobacco (chewing tobacco or snuff) of any group in the United States. More people smoke in Alaska and North Plains than in the Southwest, where smoking rates are the lowest. If you smoke, try to quit. At just a few days, your health will begin to improve. There are many organizations to help you quit.