In 1955, 28.4 percent of women smoked. Ten years ago, 22.8 percent smoked, a decline of 20 percent.

In 1955, 56.9 percent of men smoked. Ten years ago, 28.4 percent smoked, a decline of 50 percent.

The New York Times commented on the consequences: "The death toll among females is horrendous. More American women die each year from lung cancer than from breast cancer."

Bring these figures up to date and consult authorities to determine why women appear to have more difficulty than men letting go of the smoking habit.