Even though smoking is more prevalent in men, the trend of smoking is increasing among women in our country. We, in fact, have the second-highest number of women smokers after the US.  Smoking is harmful to both men and women but there are a few key differences between smoking in men and women.

In a conversation with Jagran English, Dr. Shilpi Sharma – Associate Director & Unit Head, Surgical Oncology (Head & Neck), Max Super Speciality Hospital, Dwarka explained how smoking affects women differently than men.

Smoking Affects Differently In Women Than Men

Different Reasons To Start Smoking

As per the studies on neuroimaging, smoking activates the reward pathway of men more than women. Men usually smoke for the reinforcing effects of nicotine while women use it as a mood stabilizer. It has been observed that where men start smoking for the recreational purpose, in women, it is largely influenced by the cultural beliefs, behavioural factors and psychosocial and socioeconomic factors. For e.g., many young girls start smoking because of peer pressure, in order to lose weight. For some women especially in urban areas, smoking is taken as a symbol of gender equality and often women perceive it as a sense of liberation.

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Increased Risk Of Lung Cancer

As per the studies, Women are twice as likely to develop lung cancer as compared to men with a similar number of cigarettes smoked.

Increased Risk Of Chronic Heart Disease

There is a 25 per cent increased risk of developing heart disease in women as compared to men with smoking as per various studies.

Gender-Specific Risks

Apart from increasing the similar kind of risk as in men, smoking increases the risk of women-specific diseases such as cervical cancer, breast cancer, premature menopause, fertility impairment and osteoporosis.

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Direct And Indirect Effects On The Health Of Children

Smoking in pregnancy not only increases the risk of miscarriages but can also lead to serious foetal abnormalities and even stillbirths. Besides this, young children spend more time with their mothers and thus, in turn, are exposed to passive smoking. In addition, these children are introduced to smoking at an early stage and are likely to adopt this habit in future.

Quitting Tobacco

The success rate of quitting tobacco is lower in women as compared to men. Women experience stronger cravings than men, especially in response to stress. Another reason could be the post cessation weight gain which acts as a deterrent to quit this habit in women.