Only about 13 percent of Hispanic women smoke. Smoking is much more common among women with fewer years of education. From 1965 to 1983, the decline in smoking prevalence was greater among men than among women. Since 1983, however, the decline has been comparable for women and men. Using tobacco increases a woman's risk of chronic health problems and premature death.
Tobacco use accounts for nearly one third of all cancer deaths.
An estimated 67,600 women die each year from lung cancer, which has surpassed breast cancer as the leading cause of cancer deaths among women. These deaths are largely due to smoking. In addition to increasing the risk of lung cancer, tobacco use is a risk factor for cancers of the cervix, mouth, larynx, pharynx, esophagus, kidney, pancreas, bladder, stomach, and some leukemias. Each year approximately 34,000 deaths from ischemic heart disease among women are attributed to smoking. In addition, about 8,000 deaths from stroke among women are attributed to smoking.