“Quitting smoking was just about the toughest thing I’ve ever done,” says S. Epatha Merkerson. “But the struggle was certainly worth it."

You know you should quit smoking. But you just haven't gotten around to it yet. Here are some reasons to help you commit to quitting.

Smokers not only have increased risk of lung disease, including lung cancer and emphysema, but also have increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and oral cancer.

Do you have healthy gums? You may kiss them goodbye if you're a smoker.

Ninety percent of oral cancer cases are caused by tobacco use. Oral cancer can affect the lips, teeth, gums, and lining of the mouth.

Everybody knows smoking is bad for your health. Now here's something you may not know: Smoking is bad for your looks. It's true.

Secondhand smoke threatens everyone who inhales it, especially kids. Secondhand smoke is not only smoke given off by the burning end of a cigarette, pipe or cigar, but also smoke exhaled by smokers.

Don't smoke during your pregnancy and limit how much time you spend in environments where there is secondhand smoke.

Smoking is directly responsible for the majority of lung cancer cases (87 percent), emphysema cases, and chronic bronchitis cases.

One of the major triggers for asthma attacks is cigarette smoke. Cigarette, pipe or cigar smoke is especially harmful to people with asthma because it damages the cells in the lungs that make the protective coating lining the bronchial tubes.

When people consider the cost of smoking, they usually focus on the cost of the cigarettes alone. But that's only the first step.

Most people realize that cigarettes can cause lung cancer and heart disease. But many people erroneously believe that cigars aren't harmful.

Detailed information on the link between tobacco and oral cancer, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and chewing tobacco and snuff