Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, which is the leading cancer killer of women, and a major cause of heart disease, which is the leading killer of women.
Smoking is also a risk factor for stroke, which is the third leading killer of women.
Certain Health Effects of Tobacco are Unique to Women Women who smoke have an increased risk of cervical cancer, early menopause, osteoporosis, and fertility problems. Smokers who use oral contraceptives face an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Women who smoke have a higher chance of developing heart disease and higher risk of heart attacks than men who smoke. Young women face particular threats to their health, including increased likelihood of using other drugs and decreased respiratory function and fitness. Nearly 40 percent of women who quit smoking during pregnancy relapse within six to 12 weeks after giving birth.