Tobacco use among women reaches new levels

Men are still more likely to smoke, but women are narrowing the gap. In some countries, young girls smoke more than young boys.

By Susan J. Landers, AMNews staff. Aug. 14, 2006.

Washington -- Women may have come a long way but, in regard to tobacco, they may be headed in the wrong direction. A new report raises the possibility of a global epidemic of female smoking -- and the associated morbidity and mortality -- unless measures to check it are taken.

The use of tobacco among women is rising sharply, according to the report, "Turning a New Leaf: Women, Tobacco and the Future," released July 13 by the British Columbia Centre of Excellence for Women's Health and the International Network of Women Against Tobacco.

A briefing on the document was held during last month's World Conference on Tobacco OR Health, in Washington, D.C.

Although men are still much more likely to be smokers, women are catching up. Women make up 12% of the world's smokers, but will soon edge up to 20%, said Lorraine Greaves, executive director of the British Columbia center and president of the International Network.

Recent studies show that young girls are lighting up almost as frequently as young boys, and in some countries, girls smoke more. Also alarming, said the authors, is the increased use by women of hand-rolled cigarettes, along with smokeless tobacco and water pipes.

A perception that tobacco is a symbol of equality and independence also persists, write the report's authors, and tobacco manufacturers presume that increased equality for women will give momentum to its lure.