Smoking linked to larger list of diseases

A new report by the US surgeon general has increased the list of diseases associated with cigarettes.

The 980-page, research-based report says smoking could cause liver and colorectal cancer, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, impaired immune function, ectopic pregnancy and erectile dysfunction, Politico reported.

In the report, acting Surgeon General Boris Lushniak described a "robust body of evidence", which has accumulated over the past 50 years, and shown the consequences of smoking and smoke exposure across a range of diseases and organ systems.

According to the report, the risk for developing diabetes is particularly significant: as much as 40 per cent higher among smokers compared to non-smokers.

The reports also called out secondhand smoking could elevate stroke risk by 20 per cent to 30 per cent.