Women smokers unaware of smoking impact

TORONTO, Nov. 5 (UPI) -- Most women smokers know smoking can lead to cancer, heart disease and premature death but they are unaware of other health effects, a Canadian survey indicates.

The survey, conducted by Angus Reid on behalf of nicotine replacement therapy brands Nicoderm and Nicoette, reveals the majority of Canadian women who smoke are not necessarily aware of the host of other effects smoking can have on their immediate and longer-term health.

Eighty-three percent of female smokers say lung cancer was most strongly attributed to smoking, 62 percent say premature aging of skin, 61 percent say dental problems such as yellowing of teeth or tooth loss and 60 percent say heart disease.

Fewer than two in 10 female smokers surveyed were 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, premature grey hair, weight gain, hearing loss and incontinence.

Of the female smokers surveyed 78 percent say they tried to quit the habit two or more times. Sixty-nine percent cited health concerns as their primary reason for trying to quit, 14 percent said motivation by family, 8 percent say societal pressure, 6 percent say financial reasons and 5 percent say motivation by friends.

The survey of 1,061 adult female Canadian smokers or former smokers was conducted Oct. 20 to Oct. 23 has a margin of error of 3.1 percentage points.