Men are more likely to smoke than women, and male smokers on average smoke more cigarettes than female smokers.

Tobacco use increases the risk of coronary heart disease, some cancers, stroke and chronic lung diseases. It is the single most preventable cause of disease and death in Hong Kong.

Smoking cessation has major and immediate health benefits no matter whether an individual has a smoking-related disease.

Percentage of daily cigarette smokers* by gender, Hong Kong SAR, 2004-2007

Note:* Smokers who smoke on average at least one cigarette per day

Source:Behavioural Risk Factor Surveys, 2004-2007. Department of Health.

Smoking pattern of daily smokers by gender, Hong Kong SAR, 2005

Source: Thematic Household Survey Report No. 26. Census and Statistics Department.