Cancer²

Tobacco damages your DNA and cells causing them to grow differently. These unusual cells can turn into cancer. Smoking leads to lung, liver, colorectal and breast cancer. Smokeless tobacco leads to esophageal, mouth and pancreatic cancer.

Diabetes³

Smoking increases the chances of developing Type 2 diabetes by damaging cells and interfering with insulin production. It can also make the symptoms of diabetes worse — leading to a resistance of insulin.

Heart Disease⁴

Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death for people who use tobacco. It includes narrow or blocked arteries in and around the heart (coronary heart disease), high blood pressure (hypertension), stroke and heart-related chest pain.

Respiratory Disease⁵

Cigarettes contain chemicals that interfere with oxygen. Smoking is the main cause of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), an incurable lung disease. It could result in shortness of breath, coughing, swollen airways, scar tissue and death.

Reproduction Issues⁶

Tobacco use can lead to reproductive issues in both men and women as harmful chemicals interfere with internal organs’ performance. Pregnant women who smoke are at risk for a wide range of reproductive disorders that can harm babies and unborn children.

Mental Health Struggles⁷

Beyond addiction, nicotine alters brain chemistry and structure, particularly in developing brains. This can lead to an increase in anxiety, depression, impulse control, mood swings and more.

Physical Appearance

Skin⁸ – Smoking weakens blood circulation, increasing the risk of skin infections. It also causes wrinkles and acne.

Hair⁹ – People who smoke are more likely to go bald and grey than others.

Mouth¹⁰ – Tobacco yellows teeth as tar builds up in the tooth enamel. This also leads to bad breath.