stop smoking cigars

For the first time, cigar packages and ads will soon warn smokers about the serious health risks of cigar smoking. Whether you buy Coronas or Churchills, Panatelas, Robustos, Lonsdales, or any other kind of cigar, be on the lookout for five new federally mandated health warnings. The messages may sound familiar: Cigarette companies have been required to give similar health warnings since the mid-1960's and smokeless tobacco manufacturers since the mid-1980's.

The warnings follow a report by the National Cancer Institute detailing the health risks of cigar smoking. Specifically, cigar smoking can cause cancers of the mouth, esophagus, pharynx, larynx and lungs. For smokers who inhale, the health risks increase dramatically. Cigar smoking also can cause heart disease and emphysema.

SURGEON GENERAL WARNING:	Cigar Smoking Can Cause Cancers Of The Mouth And Throat, Even If You Do Not Inhale.
SURGEON GENERAL WARNING:	Cigar Smoking Can Cause Lung Cancer And Heart Disease.
SURGEON GENERAL WARNING:	Tobacco Use Increases The Risk Of Infertility, Stillbirth And Low Birth Weight.
SURGEON GENERAL WARNING:	Cigars Are Not A Safe Alternative To Cigarettes.
SURGEON GENERAL WARNING:	Tobacco Smoke Increases The Risk Of Lung Cancer And Heart Disease, Even In Nonsmokers.

Cigar companies will be required to display these warnings clearly and prominently on packages, in print ads, on audio and video ads, on the Internet, and on point-of-purchase displays. The point, say federal consumer protection and health officials, is to make sure that companies disclose the health risks of cigar smoking and that consumers understand that there's no such thing as a safe smoke. Best to stop smoking today.

For more information about the health risks of smoking, call the FTC's toll-free helpline, 1-877-FTC-HELP, or visit www.ftc.gov.