The number of lung cancer deaths among women surpassed the number of breast cancer deaths about a decade ago. But lung cancer is only one of the diseases that is caused by smoking. Heart disease, bladder cancer, emphysema, asthma, high blood pressure, stroke and infertility have all been associated with nicotine addiction. Women who smoke while pregnant are at greater risk of miscarrying, or delivering a stillborn or low-birthweight baby. Additionally, the use of tobacco is linked to pre-cancerous and cancerous conditions of the cervix.
Tobacco smoke produces chemicals that damage the cells of the cervix.
Use of tobacco appears to make women more susceptible to the cancer causing properties of the Human Papilloma Virus. Studies show that nicotine activates the circuits in the brain that regulate pleasurable feelings by increasing levels of a chemical called dopamine. Because nicotine is such a powerful stimulant, it is highly addictive. In fact, the Surgeon General warns that nicotine addiction is similar to heroine and morphine addiction. Although giving up nicotine is difficult, it is far from impossible, said smoking cessation expert Kevin Scott Ferentz, M.D., residency director of the University of Maryland s Department of Family Medicine.