About 1 in 4 Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander women smokes. Smoking is the biggest risk factor for lung cancer. And research suggests that Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders who smoke are more likely to develop lung cancer than other smokers.
Smoking increases your risk of major health problems, including:
Cancer
Heart disease
Stroke
Lung disease
Gum disease
Eye problems that can lead to blindness
Women who smoke are at increased risk of cervical cancer. Women who take birth control pills and also smoke have a higher risk of stroke.
Smoking can make illnesses last longer and make it harder to get pregnant.
Smoking during pregnancy can cause the baby to be born too early and other problems. Smoking is also a risk factor for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
On top of all the health problems caused by smoking, it also stains your teeth, fingers, and fingernails, gives you bad breath, and causes wrinkles.
More resources on minority women's health