Report: State Govts. Failing on Smoking Cessation Efforts for Women [09/30-4]
Excerpts from: Report: Anti-Smoking Plans Failing Women
By NANCY ZUCKERBROD Associated
Press [09/29/03]
Two years after the surgeon general issued a report calling smoking a leading
killer of women, state governments are failing to adequately address the problem,
according to a study by an advocacy group.
State Medicaid programs spend $12 billion annually treating smoking-related
diseases, according to the study released Tuesday by the National Women's Law
Center.
However, the report found that just seven state Medicaid programs cover comprehensive
smoking cessation efforts. Those programs are offered in Florida, Indiana, Kansas,
Maine Minnesota, Oregon and West Virginia.
Seventy percent of Medicaid participants over 15 years old are women, according
to the report.
Smoking is the primary cause of lung cancer, which kills more women than any
other kind of cancer. Prior to 1987, breast cancer was the leading cancer killer
among women.
The new report recommends that states shape cessation programs to meet women's
needs.
When it comes to quitting, women tend to use a greater number of cessation
strategies and prefer a more gradual approach to quitting than men, according
to the study.
Nationally, about 20 percent of women smoke, compared to roughly 25 percent
of men.
But women smokers face unique risks: menstrual irregularities and earlier menopause,
infertility; bone-thining osteoporosis; arthritis; cervical cancer; and dangerous
blood clots if they use birth control pills.
That's in addition to the dangers of smoking during pregnancy. The new report
estimates at least 12 percent of pregnant women smoke. About half the states
have telephone hot lines set up for pregnant smokers to receive counseling,
according to the study.
In comparison, roughly 28 percent of women in Nevada smoke -- more than in any
other state.
This information is presented as a public service by:
Action on Smoking and Health (ASH)
2013 H Street NW / Washington, DC 20006 / (202) 659-4310
A national nonprofit, scientific and educational organization founded in 1967.
All donations are fully tax deductible.
Material on this page may be freely reproduced, distributed, and circulated
with attribution given to Action on Smoking and Health.
Dedicated to Mr. and Mrs. Warren Wells