Health Risks Associated with Tobacco Use - Essay Example

In the United States, tobacco use is significantly distributed among different age groups, descent, and socio-economic status and is even becoming more rampant. In 2005, 20.9% (45.1 million) of all American adults were using tobacco by cigarette smoking. Of this percentage, 80.8% (36.5 million) smoked on a daily basis while 19.2% (8.7 million) occasionally smoked or “smoked some days” (Mariolis et. al, 2006). Also, cigarette smoking was more common among men (23.9%) than among women (18.1%) (Mariolis et al., 2006). Furthermore, the prevalence of tobacco use varied among racial or ethnic groups: tobacco was most common among American Indians and Alaskan Natives (32.0%), non-Hispanic whites (21.9%), and non-Hispanic blacks (21.5), Asians (13.3%), and Hispanics accounted for the lowest percentage at 16.2%. Also, smoking prevalence was significantly higher among poor adults at 29.9 %, who were described as “living below the poverty line” than those who were living above the poverty line (20.6%) (Mariolis et al., 2006).

The latest trends in the prevalence of tobacco use have shown a gradual decrease within the last decade, particularly from 2001 to 2011. For example, between 2001 and 2011, the prevalence of tobacco use among students in grades 9-12 has reduced by 36.5% (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2013). Furthermore, the number of adult cigarette smokers has cut down to 20.6% in 2008 as compared to 20.9% in 2005; between 2001 and 2011, the number of adult cigarette smokers declined by 15.9%, from 22.6% in 2001 to 19.0% in 2011 (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2013).

Health Risks Associated with Tobacco Use

            Cigarette smoking adversely affects almost every organ of the body. It tops the leading causes of diseases affecting vital organs such as the heart, liver, and lungs. Generally, cigarette smoking causes various kinds of diseases and lowers down the health of smokers, both first-hand smokers and second-hand smokers (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2004). The health risks associated with cigarette smoking are tremendous. In the United States alone, 443,000 die annually due to the complications of cigarette smoking, “including deaths from second-hand smoke; nearly 49,500 die annually due to second-hand smoke; 269,655 men die every year; and, 173,940 deaths among women each year (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2008).  Death does not only come to those who smoke cigarettes; it also negatively affects individuals who are exposed to second-hand smoke. In fact, almost 50,000 Americans die every year from second-hand smoke. Of this number, 3,400 die due to lung cancer and 46,000 annual deaths from health diseases (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2008). Studies show that tobacco use increases health risks. Tobacco users have been projected to increase their risk of acquiring or experiencing heart diseases by 2 to 4 times, stroke by 2 to 4 times, lung cancer by 23 times, women developing lung cancer by 13 times, death from chronic obstructive lung diseases by 12 to 13 times (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2004). Other diseases that can be developed from cigarette smoking are as follows: cancer of the larynx, cancer of the mouth, pancreatic cancer, cancer of the pharynx, stomach cancer, cancer of the bladder, acute leukemia, cancer of the esophagus, cancer of the kidney, and cancer of the cervix. Aside from fatal diseases, tobacco use can also cause other health disorders such as infertility, preterm delivery, stillbirth, low birth weight, sudden infant death syndrome (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2004; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2008).

Mortality and Morbidity Rates and Trends

            Cigarette smoking causes an approximated 90% of all lung cancer deaths among men in the United States; 80% of lung cancer deaths among women (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2004; Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention, 2008). Ninety percent (90%) of the overall number of deaths from chronic obstructive diseases are due to cigarette smoking or tobacco use (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2004). Also, 3,400 Americans die from lung cancer every year owing to involuntary smoking; 46,000 Americans die from heart disease every year owing to involuntary smoking (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2004).

Proven Methods to Minimize Risk

            Most of the health-related issues associated with tobacco use can be minimized by smoking cessation (National Cancer Institute, 2013). A study shows that smokers who ceased smoking before reaching the age of 50 have nearly half the possibility of dying than those who continue to smoke. Furthermore, even those who decide to quit smoking before reaching the age of seventy decrease their risk of dying earlier than supposed (U.S. Department of Health and Services, 1990). A number of regulatory policies may also help such as prohibiting the use of tobacco among teenagers or reducing the number of tobacco products commercials.