New survey reveals majority of female smokers are unaware of many immediate and long term health risks
Many women are aware that smoking can lead to lung cancer, heart disease and premature death. But a recent survey conducted by Angus Reid on behalf of nicotine replacement therapy brands, NICODERM(R) and NICORETTE(R) reveals that the majority of Canadian women who smoke are not necessarily aware of the host of other impacts that smoking can have on their immediate and longer term health.
When asked which health concerns female smokers associated most with the habit, lung cancer was most strongly attributed by respondents (83 per cent), followed by premature aging of skin (62 per cent), dental problems such as yellowing of teeth or tooth loss (61 per cent) and heart disease (60 per cent). Yet surprisingly, fewer than two in 10 female smokers surveyed were actually aware of the link between lighting up and increased risks of developing health issues such as infertility, early onset of menopause, menstrual irregularities, osteoporosis, baldness or premature greying of hair, weight gain, hearing loss and incontinence.
"Despite all of the research that's out there, it's concerning to think that women still aren't entirely aware of the many ways in which smoking can impact their overall health and appearance, regardless of age," said Toronto-based dermatologist Dr. Lisa Kellett. "When it comes to saving face and aging gracefully, I'm a big advocate of advising my patients to quit smoking. Not only can smoking age your appearance by ten or more years by reducing blood flow and depriving the skin of the nutrients it needs to repair itself, but it can also result in a number of lesser known health concerns for women as they age."