Health Consequences of Smoking — Major Conclusions of the 2004 Surgeon General Report   * Smoking harms nearly every organ of the body, causing many diseases and reducing the health of smokers in general.        * Quitting smoking has immediate as well as long–term benefits, reducing risks for diseases caused by smoking and improving health in general.        * Smoking cigarettes with lower machine-measured yields of tar and nicotine provides no clear benefit to health.        * The list of diseases caused by smoking has been expanded to include abdominal aortic aneurysm, acute myeloid leukemia, cataract, cervical cancer, kidney cancer, pancreatic cancer, pneumonia, periodontitis, and stomach cancer. These are in addition to diseases previously known to be caused by smoking, including bladder, esophageal, laryngeal, lung, oral, and throat cancers, chronic lung diseases, coronary heart and cardiovascular diseases, as well as reproductive effects and sudden infant death syndrome.      The US Surgeon General has stated, "Smoking cessation (stopping smoking) represents the single most important step that smokers can take to enhance the length and quality of their lives." Quitting smoking is not easy, but it can be done. To have the best chance of quitting successfully, you need to know what you’re up against, what your options are, and where to go for help. Reasons for Quitting   Here are some examples of reasons to quit:   1. I will feel healthier right away.      * I will have more energy and better focus.      * My senses of smell and taste will be better.      * I will have whiter teeth and fresher breath.      * I will cough less and breathe better.   2. I will be healthier the rest of my life.      * I will lower my risk for cancer, heart attacks, strokes, early death, cataracts, and skin wrinkling.   3. I will make my partner, friends, family, kids, grandchildren, and co-workers proud of me.   4. I will be proud of myself.      * I will feel more in control of my life.      * I will be a better role model for others.   5. I will have more money to spend.   6. I won't have to worry: "When will I get to smoke next?" or "What do I do when I'm in a smoke-free place?"