Smoking Myths

By Dr. Mitzi Krockover

Think smoking makes you look sexy? That you could quit any time? Think again.

Myth 1: Smoking looks sexy.
Or at least, that's what the tobacco industry would like you to think. Well, it may look glamorous now, but just wait. Smoking causes deep wrinkles, and yellow teeth are a by-product of years of smoking. Smoking also contributes to osteoporosis, or thinning of the bones, which can cause stooped posture and broken bones — not a pretty picture. In fact, women who smoke reach menopause at a younger age than nonsmokers. And, as nonsmokers can tell you, kissing someone who smokes is not tasty, let alone sexy.

Myth 2: If I quit, I'll gain weight.
You might, but there are a lot less destructive ways to lose the weight. Most people gain no more than 10 pounds. Planning a healthy diet and increasing your activity level will help keep off the pounds. Some of the medications used to help quit smoking can also assist in delaying weight gain.

Myth 3: I'll quit when I'm pregnant.
It may be harder to get pregnant if you smoke because smoking is a major cause of infertility. Women who smoke have an increased chance of miscarriage and complications during pregnancy. Also, it might take you a couple of attempts to actually stop smoking, so your chances of success with quitting are better the earlier you start.

Myth 4: One cigarette won't hurt.
Yes, it will. Every cigarette you smoke takes minutes off your life and keeps you in a nicotine-addicted state. And, if you smoke around other people, you're hurting them — especially if they have asthma, heart disease, allergies or are very young.

Myth 5: I'm young — I'll quit in the next few years.
Nearly all adult women who smoke started as teenagers. Most teenagers who smoke daily don't expect to continue smoking, but most are still smoking five years later.

Myth 6: I smoke light cigarettes, so it's not so bad.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, these so-called "light" cigarettes have the same ingredients as regular cigarettes, including lead, ammonia, benzene, DDT, butane gas, carbon monoxide, arsenic and polonium 210.

Myth 7: Breast cancer is the number one cancer killer of women.
Nope, it's lung cancer. The increasing number of deaths due to lung cancer is directly linked to increased rates of smoking in women. Also, a major risk factor in the overall number one killer of women — heart disease — is smoking.

Related content on oprah.com

• How to kick the habit for good!
• The consequences of secondhand smoke
• Fight cravings and gain self-control with Dr. Schroeder’s best advice

Dr. Mitzi Krockover — a senior consultant with the health consulting firm Sokolov, Sokolov, Burgess — is an expert in women's health. © 2007 Harpo Production, Inc. All Rights Reserved.