Health risks for women

Many health risks for women are linked to smoking.

• Smoking increases a woman’s risk of many types of cancer (including cancer of the mouth, pharynx, oesophagus, larynx, bladder, pancreas, kidney and cervix) and acute myeloid leukaemia. It may also be linked to premenopausal breast cancer.
• Female smokers have a higher risk of developing potentially fatal chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
• Women who smoke are more likely to experience infertility and delays in conceiving. Maternal smoking during pregnancy increases the risks of premature delivery, stillbirth and newborn death and may cause a reduction in breast milk.