Studies Show Smoking Harms Women More Than Men

Main Category: COPD
Also Included In: Smoking / Quit Smoking;  Lung Cancer
Article Date: 05 Nov 2007 - 4:00 PDT

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Smoking is a more harmful behavior for women compared to men. This is especially so in regards to the risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): an umbrella term of a range of lung disorders, some of which are irreversible.

A study in Respirology published by Wiley-Blackwell surveyed almost 30,000 respondents to examine the association between COPD and the number of cigarettes smoked.

Results from the published study show a direct correlation between the amount of cigarettes smoked and the risk of developing COPD. The study also revealed that women smokers run a significantly higher risk of developing COPD, as compared to their male counterparts who smoked the same amount.

Dr. Fei Xu, lead author of the paper "Better Understanding the Influence of Cigarette Smoking and Indoor Air Pollution on Chronic Pulmonary Disease: A Case-Control Study in Mainland China" says, "It is not only the behavior of smoking but also the number of cigarettes smoked that can significantly increase the risk of developing COPD - particularly if you are a woman."

COPD is most often associated with tobacco smoking and is one of the most common global public health problems. It is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide and currently the second most common cause of death in mainland China where the study was held.

Dr Xu adds. "This research facilitates policy-makers in formulating policies combat smoking in the general population - hence reducing the burden of COPD on the public health system. The findings also serve as a warning for smokers, especially women, to give up smoking."

About Respirology

Respirology is a journal of international standing, publishing peer-reviewed articles of scientific excellence in clinical and experimental respiratory biology and disease and its related fields of research including thoracic surgery, internal medicine, immunology, intensive and critical care, epidemiology, cell and molecular biology, pathology, pharmacology and physiology.

About Wiley-Blackwell

Wiley-Blackwell was formed in February 2007 as a result of the acquisition of Blackwell Publishing Ltd. by John Wiley & Sons, Inc., and its merger with Wiley's Scientific, Technical, and Medical business. Together, the companies have created a global publishing business with deep strength in every major academic and professional field. Wiley-Blackwell publishes approximately 1,400 scholarly peer-reviewed journals and an extensive collection of books with global appeal. For more information on Wiley-Blackwell, please visit http://www.blackwellpublishing.com or http://interscience.wiley.com.

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Founded in 1807, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. has been a valued source of information and understanding for 200 years, helping people around the world meet their needs and fulfill their aspirations. Since 1901, Wiley and its acquired companies have published the works of more than 350 Nobel laureates in all categories: Literature, Economics, Physiology/Medicine, Chemistry and Peace.

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