Reason To Quit: The Affects of Smoking On Women

There are several unique problems and conditions that women face if they smoke. Some of these are not only life-changing, but they can be life-threatening as well. Here are a few of the biggest effects smoking can have on women. 

Cervical & Rectal Cancer

While cancer is a risk to anyone who smokes, studies have shown that women have a greatly increased chance of both cervical and rectal cancer if they are smokers. The ACOG published a study in the late 90s that showed women were six times more likely to develop these cancers if they smoke compared to those who don’t. 

Considering cervical cancer is problem for many women already, finding out how to quit vaping or smoking is a must for all. 

Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is another far too common disease in adult women, and smoking can be a major contributor to getting it. Studies have shown that the risk of breast cancer rises by 25% in women who smoke, further increasing when combined with the number of cigarettes smoked a day. 

The risk of fatal breast cancer also rises to nearly 75% in women who smoke two packs of cigarettes a day. However, quitting today can put your chances of fatal breast cancer in the future back down to the levels of those who don’t smoke. 

Fertility Damage

Considering many women delay falling pregnant until their 30s or 40s, there is already an increased risk of infertility. This risk rises substantially in women who smoke; male partners who smoke are also 50% more likely to be infertile, making pregnancy near impossible. 

Heart Attacks

Heart attacks are already a common issue in adults, but women are two to six times more likely to have a heart attack if they are smokers. Female smokers over the age of 65 are also twice as likely to have a heart attack when compared to men. 

Studies have also shown that as little as one to four cigarettes a day can almost double your chance of having a heart attack. Doctors have found that estrogen, the chemical that protects women against heart disease, is impaired if you are a smoker. 

Premature Menopause

Menopause is fairly common in women over the age of 50, but the chances of premature menopause are increased if you are a smoker. Research has found that women who smoke can start to experience menopause almost three years earlier than non-smokers. 

You also have an increased chance of menstrual issues, such as abnormal bleeding, a complete absence of a period, and vaginal infections. 

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a common problem amongst people as they age, and women require an extra 1000mg-1500mg of calcium a day to delay the onset of osteoporosis when compared to men. 

Smoking has been shown to greatly increase your chances of osteoporosis, with women who smoke experiencing a greater loss in bone density compared to non-smokers. Smoking also slows down the healing time of bones after a fracture or break. 

Tips for Quitting

If you are looking to quit, here are a few tried and tested tips and methods that will not only help you cut down on your smoking, but can easily lead to you quitting, and quitting for good. 

Avoid Triggers

The first thing you need to do is avoid your triggers. Some smoke when they are stressed, when they are out drinking, when they’re bored; whatever it may be, try your best to either avoid your triggers, especially when you are first starting to quit, or at the very least find an alternative that isn’t smoking or nicotine related. 

Stress Management

Stress is another major contributor to smoking. It is important to find a way to deal with your stress if you find yourself needing to smoke. You can exercise, meditate, go for a walk, or seek professional help. Whatever it may be, don’t instantly turn to smoking. 

Distract Yourself

When you have cravings and withdrawals, the best course of action is to find something that distracts you from it. Focussing on something different will take your mind off your need to smoke, and you will also then develop better self-control, helping you to fight through cravings in the future. 

Nicotine Alternatives

You can also try nicotine alternatives, which are brilliant for your first few weeks of quitting. Nicotine patches, gum, lozenges, etc, all give you the nicotine your body is craving, without having to light up. They also make it easier to lower your daily nicotine needs, allowing you to reach the point of not needing nicotine at all. 

Set Realistic Goals

Finally, set yourself realistic quitting goals. It takes a long time and a lot of change to quit, and there is no shame if it takes you months to do it. The goal is to quit completely; if that takes you a week or three months, it doesn’t matter. 

As you can see, women who smoke are at risk of many conditions and diseases that are otherwise avoidable in many cases. While not smoking doesn’t guarantee you won’t be affected by these problems, quitting will drastically lower your chances of ever having to deal with them.