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| Consumer Health Information |
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| Smoking |
Lesbians and Smoking |
Smoking is huge problem.
In fact, about 27,000 more women die of lung cancer than breast cancer, making lung cancer the number one cause of preventable death for women in this country. |
Smoking affects your entire body.
While you may be aware of the immediate risk to your lungs, throat, and mouth, did you know that women who smoke are also at an increased risk for other cancers such as cervical cancer? Nicotine has actually been found in the abnormal pap smears of women who smoke - in their cervical cells! Which means that nicotine does not stay localized to the lungs and respiratory system, and can be spread throughout your body and have similarly negative effects. |
Women who smoke also have an increased risk for heart disease and stroke - and lesbians and bisexual women may face the toughest fight to kick the habit. According to the American Journal of Preventative Medicine, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, as well as several data surveys conducted by the Mautner project, lesbian and bisexual women were more likely to heavy smokers than heterosexual women. |
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Smoking is Tough to Quit -
and there are so many reasons why. |
You are a direct target.
Since the 1980’s, evidence shows that the tobacco industry has targeted gays and lesbians via marketing, and the sponsorship of LGBT events. In addition, data from the Mautner Project (2004) and Harris Interactive/Witeck-Combs Communications (2003) has shown that most lesbians have never seen an anti-smoking advertisement or public education awareness message targeted toward them. |
You are addicted in several different ways.
The chemicals found in all cigarette smoke and by-products of that smoke ensure that you get addicted - and quickly. Research shows that people who smoke even just 3 cigarettes in a short amount of time can be addicted. Just 3 cigarettes! |
Research also shows that a main reason why people are unable to quit is because they are addicted psychologically as well as physically. Stress is one of the major reasons why people slip up - and studies have shown that not only are women more likely than men to smoke as a means of regulating mood; but studies have also shown that lesbian and bisexual women have increased cigarette cravings as a response to the stress and stigmatization due to their sexual minority status. |
You might need to change what you consider to be a successful quit.
Studies have shown that many people, women who partner with women included, have tried many times to quit. In fact, the national average is five quit attempts before they are quit for good. So if you have quit once, even a few times before - congratulations! Every time you quit is another chance to learn. If you slip up, it's okay. You can make another quit attempt - and hopefully that will be the time you can quit for good. |
For tips and resources to help you quit and stay that way, click the arrow. |
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