Cigar

What a Cigar Is and How It’s Used

A cigar is a tobacco product made by rolling cured and fermented tobacco leaves into a tube shape. This tube is wrapped in a tobacco leaf or a similar wrapper that also contains tobacco. Cigars come in many sizes and shapes, from small little cigars to large premium cigars that can contain as much tobacco as a whole pack of cigarettes. People light one end of the cigar and smoke it, often without inhaling the smoke into their lungs. Instead, the smoke is usually held in the mouth before being exhaled.

Health Risks of Smoking Cigars

Even though many cigar smokers do not inhale, cigars still contain nicotine, which is addictive, and many harmful chemicals that can cause cancer. The tobacco in cigars is fermented, which produces higher levels of certain cancer-causing chemicals called nitrosamines. Cigar smoke also contains more tar and toxins per gram of tobacco than cigarette smoke. Because cigars are often larger and smoked over a longer time, exposure to these harmful substances can be significant.

Smoking cigars increases the risk of cancers of the mouth, throat, voice box, esophagus, lungs, and possibly the pancreas. Heavy cigar smoking also raises the risk of heart disease and lung diseases like emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Even without inhaling, the smoke directly contacts the lips, mouth, tongue, and throat, exposing these areas to toxic chemicals. Swallowing saliva mixed with tobacco chemicals can expose the esophagus to harmful substances.

Secondhand Smoke and Its Effects

Cigar smoke is also harmful to people nearby. Secondhand smoke from cigars contains many toxic and cancer-causing chemicals. Breathing in secondhand smoke can increase the risk of heart disease, lung cancer, and respiratory problems in nonsmokers, including children. There is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke.

Why Understanding Cigars Matters in Cancer Care

In cancer care, knowing about cigar use is important because smoking cigars can increase the risk of developing certain cancers and other serious health problems. Health care providers may ask about cigar smoking habits to better understand a patient’s risks and to offer support for quitting. Quitting cigar smoking can reduce the chance of developing cancer and improve overall health.

Common Questions and What to Discuss with Your Care Team

If you or a loved one smokes cigars, it’s helpful to talk openly with your health care team. You might ask how cigar smoking affects your cancer risk or treatment, what resources are available to help you quit, and what changes you can expect after quitting. Your care team can provide guidance and support tailored to your needs.

Important Notes About This Information

This information is meant to educate and does not replace personalized medical advice. Everyone’s health situation is different, so it’s important to discuss your tobacco use and health concerns with your doctor. They can help you understand what applies to you and assist you if you want to stop smoking.

Next Steps for Your Health

Remember, no level of tobacco use is safe. Quitting smoking cigars is one of the best steps you can take to protect your health and reduce your risk of cancer and other diseases. If you need help quitting, reach out to your health care provider or local support programs. Taking this step can improve your quality of life and add years to your life.