They looked at 18,000 men, none of whom smoked cigarettes. Those who smoked cigars had a 27 percent higher risk for heart disease, a 45 percent higher risk for lung disease and about twice the risk of developing cancer of the mouth, throat or lung, compared to non-smokers. These rates are lower than for cigarette smoking, but doctors warn that many of the cigar smokers in the study quit smoking before the end of the study, which may have affected the results. Most of these men smoked fewer than five cigars a day. A large cigar, though, can contain nearly as much nicotine as a pack of cigarettes.
Tobacco can be deadly in almost any form, and it's best to avoid it.
Other Topics Health Watch is intended to provide general information only and should not replace the advice of a medical professional. You should contact your physician if you have questions about any of these topics.