Granted, most moderate cigar smokers will not develop lung cancer because cigar smoke is usually not inhaled like cigarette smoke. However, even cigar smokers are six times more likely to develop lung cancer compared to nonsmokers. Cigar use clearly contributes to oral cancer and heart disease. Specifically, smoking a cigar or pipe increases the risk of developing lip, mouth and esophageal cancers. Cigar smokers are also more likely to develop prostate, kidney, liver, colorectal and laryngeal cancers.
Any tobacco product contains a highly addictive drug called nicotine.
Nicotine can be absorbed through oral tissues. Accordingly, even smokeless tobacco products are very dangerous. Due to the addictive nature of nicotine, it often becomes difficult for cigar smokers to control their habit. Despite advances in oral cancer treatment, five-year survival rates remain very poor. Survivors are often left severely disfigured because treatment often requires surgical removal of the teeth, jaw, lips, tongue, cheeks and facial bones.