• Each day, 3,000 kids become regular smokers and one-third eventually die from tobacco - related diseases.
• Almost 90 percent of adult smokers began at or before age 18.
• 35 percent of high school kids currently smoke cigarettes.
• 20 percent of high school boys currently use smokeless tobacco.
• 4.5 million children between the ages of 12 and 17 are currently tobacco users.
• $50 billion is spent annually on direct medical cost associated with smoking or 7% of the nation’s health care cost.
• 62 % of 12 to 17 year old smokers said they buy their own cigarettes. Of those who had ever tried to purchase cigarettes, almost half were never asked to show proof of age.
• More than 5 million kids alive today under age 18 will die prematurely from tobacco-related disease unless current rates are reversed.
• Each year minors illegally purchase 256 million packs of cigarettes, resulting in almost $500 million in sales.
• During 1996, approximately 193,000 new cases of lung cancer were reported in the United States; 112,200 in men and 81,700 in women; with a 5-year mortality rate of approximately 85%, more than 164,000 of these individuals eventually died from the disease.
• The age-adjusted mortality rate from cancer has been steadily rising for the past 60 years. Age-adjusted death rates for most other types of cancer are leveling off and in some cases, have been declining.
• Among women, lung cancer death rates continue to increase and in 1986, surpassed breast cancer as the leading cause of cancer death. Women now have an incidence of lung cancer nearly identical to that of men 30 years ago. The rising lung cancer rate for women is expected to peak around 2010
• Tobacco use is responsible for more than 1 of every 6 deaths in the United States and is the most important single preventable cause of death and disease in our society. It is the major risk factor for diseases of the heart and blood vessels, chronic bronchitis and emphysema, cancer of the lung, larynx, pharynx, oral cavity, esophagus, pancreas and bladder, and other problems such as respiratory infections and stomach ulcers.
• Cigarette smoking accounts for 21% of all coronary heart disease deaths, 87% of lung cancer deaths and 30% of all cancer deaths.
• Approximately 90% of lung cancer cases in men, and 80% in women (87% overall), are attributable to cigarette smoking.
• Lung cancer incidence risk is proportional to the amount smoked daily and the duration of time smoked. Smokers who consume more than two packs per day have lung cancer mortality rates 15 to 25 times greater than that of individuals who never smoked
• Cessation of cigarette smoking results in a gradual decrease in lung cancer risk. After 10 to 20 years of cessation, lung cancer rates for former smokers approach the rates of life-long nonsmokers
• Epidemiological studies have shown an increased risk of lung cancer in nonsmokers chronically exposed to tobacco smoke. Nonsmokers married to smokers have a 30% higher risk of lung cancer than nonsmokers married to nonsmokers.
• Tobacco companies spend $5 billion annually, or $13 million a day, on advertising and marketing campaigns.
• Tobacco companies earn nearly $200 million in annual profits from cigarette sales to minors.
• 86% of kids who smoke prefer Marlboro, Camel, or Newport ­ the three most heavily advertised brands. Only a third of adult smokers prefer these brands. 

By Dr Prem | www.DrPrem.com

The Chief Editor of Health First Magaine - Dr.Prem s a widely recognized expert in healthcare. At the core of his expertise in healthcare lie his successful experiences backed by rich knowledge. He has undertaken various ambitious initiatives and is a driving force in Globalization of Healthcare worldwide.