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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention "a cigar is defined as a roll of tobacco wrapped in leaf tobacco or another substance that contains tobacco." Cigars come in many different sizes and can be sold singly or with multiple cigars in a pack. Because cigars can be very cheap and come in a variety of fruit and mint flavors, they are especially appealing to younger generations. 

Myths & Facts Surrounding Cigars

MYTH: There is no secondhand smoke from cigars.
FACT: More tobacco is found in cigars than cigarettes and because cigars burn for a longer period of time they produce larger amounts of secondhand smoke.1 Bystanders of cigar smokers should not only be concerned about the smoke coming from the tip of the cigar, but also the smoke being exhaled from the user. Secondhand cigar smoke contains the same cancer causing chemicals found in cigarettes.
 
MYTH: Cigar smoking will make me look "well off" and distinguished to my friends and significant others.
FACT: Smoking cigars has been linked to tooth loss and gum disease. When was the last time someone with a missing tooth looked distinguished? Tobacco use of any form can also lead to sexual impotence in men.1

MYTH: Cigars are safer than smoking cigarettes.
FACT: According to the American Thoracic Society "smoking one large cigar can be the same as smoking an entire pack of cigarettes." Research has shown that the same toxic and cancer causing chemicals in cigarettes have also been found in cigars. Cigar smokers are at higher risk for developing throat, esophagus, mouth, lip, bladder, tongue, bladder, pancreas, and lung cancer. People who smoke cigars are also at a higher risk for developing chronic bronchitis, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema, and heart disease.1

Quitting Tobacco

Cigars ARE TOBACCO and contain chemicals that can lead to cancer and other negative health effects.  If you need help with quitting your cigar or other tobacco use visit:
  • NDQuits offers FREE over the phone or online options to help you quit. Contact NDQuits at 1.800.784.8669 or visit https://ndquits.health.nd.gov/
     
  • Bismarck Burleigh Public Health offers FREE in person counseling with a Nationally Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist. Call 701.355.1597 or skahler@bismarcknd.gov for more information.
     
  • MyLifeMyQuit is a FREE quit tobacco program just for ND teens.Teens can text 855.891.9989 or visit mylifemyquit.com
North Dakota is fortunate to have several FREE options to help tobacco users quit. Find the best one for you!

Sources

  1. The American Toracic Society: Patient Education| Information Series (Factsheet)
  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Cigars (website)
  3. Truth Initiative - Cigars: Facts, stats, and regulations (website)