Risks Associated With Smoking

Risks Associated With Smoking Shortened life expectancy Nonsmokers live about 8.3 years longer than those who smoke two packs a day from their midtwenties on. Chronic bronchitis, emphysema Smokers have 4—25 times higher risk of dying from these diseases than do nonsmokers. Cancer of lungs Cigarette smoking is the major cause. Cancer of mouth 3—10 times greater risk among smokers. Cancer of larynx 2.9—17] times more frequent among smokers. Cancer of esophagus 2—9 times greater risk of dying from this. Cancer of pancreas 2—5 times greater risk of dying from this. Cancer of bladder 7—10 times greater risk for smokers. Cardiovascular disease Cigarette smoking a major contributing factor in heart attacks, strokes, and atherosclerosis. Impact on offspring Women who smoke during pregnancy increase their risk of miscarriage or of an underweight infant. Reduction in Risks by Quitting Cumulative risk reduction; after 10—15 years, the life expectancy of ex-smokers approaches that of nonsmokers. Greater chance of improving lung function and slowing down rate of deterioration. After 10—15 years, risk approaches that of nonsmokers. After 10—15 years, risk is reduced to that of nonsmokers. After 10 years, risk is reduced to that of nonsmokers. Risk proportional to amount smoked; quitting should reduce it. Risk proportional to amount smoked; quitting should reduce it. Risk decreases gradually over 7 years to that of nonsmokers. Risk for heart attack declines rapidly, for stroke declines more gradually, and for atherosclerosis it levels off. When smoking stops before fourth month of pregnancy, risk of stillbirth and lower birth weight eliminated.