Home
Bupa members

Support and offers for individual members and customers

Health news - 1 to 4 cigarettes a day triples the risk of dying from heart disease or lung cancer

30 September 2005 - written by Michael Paterson for Bupa's health information team

Smoking just 1 to 4 cigarettes a day almost triples the risk of dying from heart disease or lung cancer, according to a large study in Tobacco Control.1 The report suggests that smokers have been wrong to believe that "light" smoking does not cause health problems.

How was the study carried out?

More than 23,000 men and 19,000 women aged 35 to 49 took part in a huge heart-disease survey in Norway. The survey began in the 1970s and was completed in 2002. Participants were asked how much they smoked. Of those who died during this period, their causes of death were assessed in light of how much they smoked.1

What did the study show?

The steepest risk of dying of smoking-related disease occurred among those who smoked between 0 and 4 cigarettes a day. Compared with those who had never smoked, those who smoked between 1 and 5 cigarettes a day were almost three times as likely to die of coronary artery disease.1

Were men and women at equal risk?

The impact of light smoking is stronger on women. Women who smoked 1 to 4 cigarettes were almost five times as likely to die of lung cancer as their peers who did not smoke. For men, the rate among light smokers was triple that for non-smokers.1

What was the conclusion of the researchers?

They concluded that attitudes to light smoking needed to change. Many smokers wrongly believe that light smoking is not a health risk. Smokers - even light smokers - should seek help to quit the habit.1

What are Britain's smoking habits?

The latest official figures on adult smoking are:2

  • Out of every 100 men, 23 are smokers, 30 are ex-smokers and 47 say they never or occasionally smoke. The number of male smokers has been steadily declining, from 28 in every 100 in 1996.
  • Out of every 100 women, 23 are smokers, 25 are ex-smokers and 52 say they never or occasionally smoke. The number of women smokers is declining too, from 28 in every 100 to 23 in every 100 in 1996.
  • More men smoke when they are young. Male smoking peaks in the 25 to 34 age group. One in three of them smoke.
  • More men are heavy smokers. 1 in 3 male smokers smokes more than 20 a day. Among women it is 1 in 5.

Why does smoking cause disease?

Cigarettes contain tar - a sticky black substance - made up of thousands of chemicals. It can stay in a smoker's lungs and may eventually cause cancer. Even low-tar cigarettes cause illness. The carbon monoxide from the smoke itself is poisonous in large quantities. During smoking, it goes into the blood stream and reduces the amount of oxygen in the blood. This can cause breathing problems. One of the major ingredients in cigarettes is the drug nicotine. It is addictive and makes smokers want more cigarettes. Many of the 4000 chemicals in tobacco smoke can cause cancer.3

Is passive smoking dangerous?

Yes. Recent research by the Government's Scientific Committee on Tobacco and Health concluded:4

  • the risk of lung cancer goes up by a quarter for people exposed to others' smoking
  • the risk of smoking-related heart disease also goes up by a quarter
  • the health of children is at risk if they live in the same home as a smoker

How quick are the benefits of stopping smoking?

The good news is that the body starts to clear out the poisons from tobacco smoke immediately, and also:5

  • blood pressure and pulse will drop within an hour of stopping
  • carbon monoxide levels will return to normal within two days
  • sense of taste and smell will improve within two days
  • blood circulation will improve within a few weeks

But what makes it hard to stop?

Nicotine, found in cigarettes, is an addictive drug. When you quit smoking you will feel the effects of nicotine withdrawal. These effects can be unpleasant and may include:5

  • temporary depression
  • difficulty with sleeping
  • irritability
  • frustration or anger
  • anxiety
  • difficulty with concentration
  • restlessness
  • decreased heart rate
  • dizziness
  • increased appetite

What help is available to smokers who want to quit?

There are many ways that smokers can help themselves to quit. Nicotine patches and nicotine chewing gum can help to ease the worst symptoms of withdrawal. Hypnotism, acupuncture and other alternative therapies are thought to help, too.

Bupa Information

Further information

References

  1. Bjartveit K, Tverdal A. Health Consequences of Smoking 1-4 cigarettes a day. Tobacco Control 2005: 14:315-320. doi: 10.1136/tc.2005.011932
  2. Smoking related behaviour and attitudes.
    www.statistics.gov.uk
  3. Smoking & Cancer - beat the addiction. Cancer Research leaflet.
    www.cancerresearchuk.org
  4. Secondhand Smoke: Review of evidence since 1998. Scientific Committee on Tobacco and Health (SCOTH)
    www.dh.gov.uk/publications
  5. Smoking (quitting). NHS Direct Online Health Encyclopaedia.
    www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk

All pages were accessed on 26/09/05

 

Bupa health insurance

Bupa health checks