Other Health Risks

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among American Indian/Alaska Native men and women. Most lung cancers are caused by cigarette smoking. Exposure to secondhand smoke also puts people at risk for lung cancer (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Cancer Statistics Brief No. 14, 2019) 

  • Lung and bronchus cancer is the number one cancer by rate of cancer deaths and the number 3 cancer by rates of new cancer cases for American Indians/Alaska Natives in California.
    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Leading Cancer Cases and Deaths, American Indian and Alaska Native, Male and Female, 2018

Beyond the Obvious: Other Health Impacts of Commercial Tobacco

While most people are aware of how tobacco affects the lungs and heart, commercial tobacco use has many other harmful effects on the body that are often overlooked. As Tribal Youth Ambassadors, you have the power to educate your community about these less-discussed impacts to protect the health and well-being of our people.

1. Effects on Oral Health

  • Tooth Decay and Gum Disease:
    • Smoking and chewing tobacco damage the gums, leading to infections and tooth loss.
    • Users are more likely to develop cavities and chronic bad breath.
  • Oral Cancer:
    • Tobacco use is a major cause of cancers of the mouth, tongue, lips, and throat.

2. Impact on Reproductive Health

  • In Women:
    • Increased risk of infertility and complications during pregnancy.
    • Higher chances of premature births and low birth weight in babies.
    • Secondhand smoke can harm unborn babies, increasing the risk of miscarriage or birth defects.
  • In Men:
    • Tobacco use can reduce sperm quality, leading to fertility issues.
    • It increases the risk of erectile dysfunction due to reduced blood flow.

3. Effects on Mental Health

  • Mood Disorders:
    • While many people use tobacco to relieve stress, nicotine can actually worsen anxiety and depression over time.
    • It disrupts brain chemistry, leading to irritability and mood swings.
  • Cognitive Impacts:
    • Youth who use tobacco products may experience reduced attention spans and memory issues due to nicotine’s effect on the developing brain.

4. Effects on the Immune System

  • Tobacco weakens the immune system, making the body more vulnerable to infections like colds, the flu, and pneumonia.
  • Slower healing from injuries and illnesses, such as cuts, burns, or surgeries.

5. Skin and Appearance

  • Premature Aging:
    • Smoking reduces oxygen flow to the skin, causing wrinkles and an older appearance.
  • Stained Teeth and Nails:
    • Tobacco products can leave yellow stains on teeth, fingers, and nails.
  • Skin Diseases:
    • Smoking is linked to conditions like psoriasis, a chronic skin disorder.

6. Effects on Digestive Health

  • Stomach Problems:
    • Smoking increases the risk of ulcers in the stomach and intestines.
  • Pancreatic Cancer:
    • Tobacco use is a significant risk factor for cancer of the pancreas.

7. Impacts on Bone Health

  • Smoking weakens bones, increasing the risk of fractures and conditions like osteoporosis.
  • Women who smoke are particularly at risk of bone density loss as they age.

Why This Matters to Our Communities

In many Tribal communities, access to healthcare is limited, making the health impacts of tobacco even more devastating. These lesser-known effects often go untreated, leading to long-term harm. By addressing these issues, we can take steps to protect our people and promote a healthier future.

What Can Tribal Youth Do?

1. Educate Your Community

  • Share facts about the less obvious health impacts of tobacco at school events, community gatherings, and on social media.
  • Collaborate with Tribal health programs to create educational materials tailored to your community.

2. Advocate for Holistic Health

  • Emphasize the connection between tobacco use and overall well-being, including mental, reproductive, and oral health.
  • Encourage regular health check-ups to catch and address these issues early.

3. Support Tobacco-Free Living

  • Promote programs that support quitting tobacco, like 1-800-QUIT-NOW or Tribal cessation programs.
  • Advocate for smoke-free policies in homes, schools, and community spaces to reduce exposure to harmful effects.

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