Tobacco products are the leading cause of premature, preventable death among women. Women now account for 39 percent of the nation's 400,000 smoking-related deaths each year, double the percentage in 1965. One explanation is the effectiveness of marketing to women. Tobacco ads have long lured women by associating smoking with slimness and sophistication. Today's ads try to minimize health concerns by depicting models exercising or hiking outdoors.
Some companies seduce with discounts on clothing and household items.
Teens especially need countervailing messages and education. Many have a positive image of smoking and believe more peers smoke than actually do. Most smokers say they want to quit. A congressional proposal to expand access to cessation services through Medicaid and Medicare is a sensible idea. Smoking is more prevalent among poor people.