Tobacco-related diseases.
OBJECTIVE
To provide an overview of the disease risks associated with cigarette smoking and the benefits of smoking cessation.


METHODS
Government reports and monographs, and research articles.


CONCLUSIONS
Cigarette smoking causes over 400,000 deaths per year and is a major cause of coronary heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lung cancer. The disease risks associated with cigarette smoking are proportional to the intensity and duration of smoking. Cessation of cigarette smoking results in a decline in risk in relation to the risks of continuing smokers.


CONCLUSIONS
Clinicians must be aware of the magnitude of smoking-related risks and the benefits of smoking cessation as a critical intervention.
Burns
David M
DM
University of California-San Diego School of Medicine, 1545 Hotel Circle So, Suite 310, San Diego, CA 92108, USA.
D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000592:standards*; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000453:epidemiology; D016540:Smoking Cessation; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology