Sure, Smoking Causes Cancer, But it Won't Happen to Me

The survey found that:

• Although young people do tend to overstate one of the best-known smoking-related risks—that of contracting lung cancer—they either underestimate or do not know of the danger of several other serious risks. These include:
  • The chance of dying from lung cancer after contracting the disease.
  • The overall risk of dying from smoking-related illnesses.
  • The average years of life lost to smoking-related illnesses.
  • Their own personal risk—as opposed to the risk to smokers in general.
  • The dangers of smoking in comparison to other kinds of high-risk behavior, such as the use of illegal drugs.
• They are also overly optimistic about their ability to quit smoking when they wish. Smokers who saw smoking as very risky were more than four times more likely to want to quit than others—suggesting that smoking-cessation campaigns should emphasize the risks of smoking.
• Concern about second-hand smoke appears to motivate quitting and suggests that campaigns should also include education about the dangers of secondhand smoke and the rights of nonsmokers.