Cigar smoking: an ignored public health threat

Cigar smoking is rapidly increasing. Studies have exposed the move to cigar smoking by smokers who do not necessarily believe cigar smoking is risky behavior. However, cigar smoking poses significant risk that leads to well-documented morbidity and mortality. Currently, there is a dearth of primary prevention efforts related to cigar smoking. Furthermore, the literature is lacking in program, practice, and theory development as well as in the planning, execution, and evaluation of programs targeting cigar smoking cessation. A clear need exists to promote early prevention of cigar smoking, and to incorporate cigar smoking cessation into other tobacco cessation projects.