SWHR asks young women to be aware of smoking dangers in face of new marketing tactics

Society for Women's Health Research President and CEO Phyllis Greenberger, M.S.W., issued the following statement in response to the decision of Philip Morris USA to introduce pink "Purse Packs" for some Virginia Slims cigarette brands by early 2009.

"The Society for Women's Health Research is appalled that a tobacco company, with all the health information now available, would initiate a marketing campaign that is directed at young women. The use of smaller, sleek pink boxes is clearly designed to recruit a new generation of young women smokers. This is a reprehensible marketing practice.

"Young women need to know that smoking more negatively affects their health than the health of their male counterparts. Smoking increases the risk of infertility and the chance of developing cervical cancer. Smoking also puts women at dramatically greater risk for other cancers and heart and lung diseases.

"Additionally, women are less successful quitting smoking and have more severe withdrawal symptoms than men. The message to women of all ages: If you are not a smoker, for your immediate and long-term health, do not begin. And, if you do smoke, stop. If you can not quit on your own, seek help from medical professionals or social support groups."

Phyllis Greenberger, M.S.W.
President and CEO
Society for Women's Health Research
Washington, D.C.

The Society for Women's Health Research is the nation's only non-profit organization whose mission is to improve the health of all women through research, education and advocacy. Founded in 1990, the Society brought to national attention the need for the appropriate inclusion of women in major medical research studies and the need for more information about conditions affecting women disproportionately, predominately, or differently than men. The Society advocates increased funding for research on women's health; encourages the study of sex differences that may affect the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease; promotes the inclusion of women in medical research studies; and informs women, providers, policy makers and media about contemporary women's health issues. Visit the Society's Web site at www.womenshealthresearch.org for more information.