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Smoking is the single greatest avoidable cause of disease and death. Every year about 438,000 Americans die as a result of smoking or inhaling second hand smoke. About 40 percent of these deaths are from cancer, 35 percent from heart disease and stroke, and 25 percent from lung disease. New studies have shown that about half of all regular cigarette smokers die of a smoking-related illness.
Smoking not only harms you lungs, it negatively affects nearly every organ in the body.
Smoking is the leading cause of cancer, and leads to the most deaths from cancer. These cancers include lung, esophagus, larynx, mouth, throat, kidney, bladder, pancreas, stomach and cervix. Smoking has been shown to cause heart disease, stroke, lung disease, hip fractures and cataracts.
At least 250 of the 4,000 chemicals found in cigarette smoke are known to be harmful. Some of the most toxic chemicals include hydrogen cyanide (used in chemical weapons), carbon monoxide (found in car exhaust), formaldehyde (used in embalming fluid), ammonia (found in household cleaners), and toluene (found in paint thinners).
Regardless of age and duration of smoking, quitting can significantly reduce risk of cancer and greatly improve overall health.
Although smoking rates have declined over the years, more than one in five Americans smoke. In 2004, this included about 21 percent of adults and more than 22 percent of high school students. Among young people ages 18-24 almost 28% are smokers. Approximately 26% of white, 22% of Hispanic and 13% of African American high school students currently smoke cigarettes. Of America’s middle school students, about 8% are current cigarette smokers.
Students can receive free one-on-one tobacco cessation counseling through Student Health Services. Call 737-WELL or stop by the SHS to sign up for an appointment.