Health Matters for Women

Improve American Indian and Alaskan Native Women’s Health

During American Indian/Alaska Native Heritage Month, we highlight opportunities to address issues that impact the health of these women in our communities.

Cigarette Smoking

American Indians/Alaska Natives have the highest prevalence of cigarette smoking compared to all other racial/ethnic groups in the United States. Nationally, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among American Indians and Alaska Natives. Some American Indians use tobacco for ceremonial, religious, or medicinal purposes. For this reason, it is important to make the distinction between commercial and traditional tobacco use.

Source: Tobacco Control: A Winnable Battle; Slide 9

Between 2005-2014 there was a significant decline in cigarette smoking among White, Black, and Hispanic women, but an increase from 26.8% to 32.5% among American Indian/Alaska Native women.

More American Indian/Alaska Native women smoke during their last 3 months of pregnancy—26.0% compared to 14.3% of whites, 8.9% of African Americans, 3.4% of Hispanics, and 2.1% of Asians/Pacific Islanders.

American Indians/Alaska Natives have a higher risk of experiencing tobacco-related disease and death due to high prevalence of cigarette smoking and other commercial tobacco use.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among American Indians/Alaska Natives.
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among American Indians/Alaska Natives.
Diabetes is the fourth leading cause of death among American Indians/Alaska Natives. The risk of developing diabetes is 30–40% higher for smokers than nonsmokers.

What Women Can Do:

Get help to quit smoking. Smokers can receive free resources and assistance to help them quit by calling the1-800-QUIT-NOW quitline (1-800-784-8669 ) or by visiting CDC's Tips From Former Smokers or Smokefree Women.
Learn about tobacco use and pregnancy and about theoutlook for mother and baby.
Learn the real stories of American Indians/Alaskan Natives who are suffering from illness or health conditions as a result of smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke. Read about Michael and Nathan.