Is Smoking One Cigar A Week A Cause For Concern?

Posted on Sun, 19 Apr 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 19 Apr 2015 Answered on

Fri, 8 May 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Thanks - I smoke 1 cigar a week and I am considering ending that routine if it is something that places my health at risk. Is this something I should be concerned about?

Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (9 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
mouth cancer

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for your question.
Since most people do not inhale cigars, it is not a big risk for lung cancer or COPD. It is however a significant risk for mouth cancer. If you can stop smoking the cigars it would significantly decrease your risk of getting a mouth or oropharyngeal cancer. Good luck to you and congratulations for considering stopping.
Regards,
Dr. Robinson

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar