Fact Sheet

Cigars

(updated February 2009)

Cigars contain the same toxic and carcinogenic compounds found in cigarettes and are not a safe alternative to cigarettes.¹ The three major types of cigars sold in the United States are large cigars, cigarillos, and little cigars.1 In 2007, cigar sales in the United States rose 9.2 percent² and generated more than $3.4 billion in retail sales.²

Health Effects

Regular cigar smoking is associated with an increased risk for cancers of the lung, oral cavity, larynx, and esophagus.^1,3
Heavy cigar smokers and those who inhale deeply may be at increased risk for developing coronary heart disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.¹

Current Estimates

In 2007, an estimated 5.4%, or 13.3 million Americans, 12 years of age or older, were current cigar users.⁴
An estimated 7.3% of African American, 5.5% of white, 4.5% of Hispanic, 9.0% of American Indian/Alaska Native, and 1.4% of Asian American adults 18 years of age or older, are current cigar smokers.⁴
An estimated 14.0% of students in grades 9–12 in the United States are current cigar smokers.⁵ Cigar smoking is more common among males (19.4%) than females (7.6%) in these grades.⁵
An estimated 4% of middle school students in the United States are current cigar smokers.⁶ Estimates are higher for middle school boys (5.3%) than girls (2.7%).⁶

Other Information

The two leading brands preferred by cigar smokers aged 12 years or older are Black & Mild^® (22.8%) and Swisher Sweets^® (14.4%).⁷
Marketing efforts have promoted cigars as symbols of a luxuriant and successful lifestyle.¹ Endorsements by celebrities, development of cigar-friendly magazines (e.g., Cigar Aficionado), features of highly visible women smoking cigars, and product placement in movies have contributed to the increased visibility of cigar smoking in society.¹
Since 2001, cigar packaging and advertisements must display one of five health warning labels on a rotating basis.⁸

References

National Cancer Institute. Cigars: Health Effects and Trends. Smoking and Tobacco Control Monograph No. 9. Bethesda, MD: National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute; 1998 [accessed 2009 Feb 03].
Maxwell JC. Cigar Industry in 2007. Richmond, VA: The Maxwell Report; March 2008 [accessed 2009 Feb 03].
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Health Consequences of Smoking: Cancer. A Report of the Surgeon General. Rockville, MD: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service; 1982 [accessed 2009 Feb 03].
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. 2007 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Detailed Tables [accessed 2009 Feb 03].
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance—United States, 2007. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report [serial online]. Surveillance Summaries 2008; 57(SS04):1–131 [accessed 2009 Feb 03].
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2006 National Youth Tobacco Survey and Key Prevalence Indicators. (PDF–89.9 KB) [accessed 2009 Feb 03].
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health: 2 005 Detailed Tables. (PDF–124 KB) [accessed 2009 Feb 03].
Federal Trade Commission. Nationwide Labeling Rules for Cigar Packaging and Ads Take Effect Today. [fact sheet] Federal Trade Commission; 2001 [accessed 2009 Feb 03].

For Further Information

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
Office on Smoking and Health
E-mail: tobaccoinfo@cdc.gov
Phone: 1-800-CDC-INFO

Media Inquiries: Contact CDC's Office on Smoking and Health press line at 770-488-5493.

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Page last reviewed 02/05/2009
Page last updated 02/05/2009

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