Smoking and Lung Cancer

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. Lung cancer is the second cause of cancer deaths among Hispanic American/Latina women (behind breast cancer). And the death rates for lung cancer in these women have increased every year. Among Hispanic American/Latino high school students, 31.5% of females smoke cigarettes. If you smoke, try to quit. At just a few days, your health will begin to improve.