Cigars, while containing many of the same carcinogens as cigarettes, has a lower overal risk of lung cancer than cigarettes.

Dr C. Evertt Koop, former Surgeon General for the US has been quoted as stating that occassional cigar smoking is to be considered of minimal health risk unless you have special or hereditary factors that would place you in a higher risk for tobacco-related illnesses. In fact research from the National Cancer Institutes indicates that the health risk posed by both cigars and cigarettes are strongly linked to frequency of use.

The key to the claim that cigars are less dangerous than cigarettes lies mainly in the way that people smoke them. Cigarette smokers, for the most part, are addicted to the substance and the actions associated with smoking while cigar smokers, for the most part, are irregular smokers that enjoy a fine stick every now and again. Since you are not inhaling cigar smoke like one would cigarette smoke, it becomes inheritly less likely to contract lung cancer.  

Links

• Interesting article from National Review - http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1282/is_8_51/ai_54391006

Women are increasingly eager to share their cigar smoking experiences, but more frequently with other women rather than men.

These events are women-only meals at upscale restaurants. Organized by just about anyone who loves her cigars, the events are advertised as Women and Cigars Nights and promoted to local women (smokers and non-smokers alike). Attendees report they love the companionship of other women over a selection of especially fine quality cigars, accompanied by a fine wine, naturally, and a meal selected by the restaurant.

The events are ideal for networking, support or simply enjoying the chance to enjoy a good cigar without the sometimes dominating presence of cigar-loving men (bless their cigar-chomping little hearts!). Set the price high enough--$100-$200—and you can set the type of crowd that shows up, as well. Younger women, for example, seem to like to the $50-$100 price range, while older, more mature and perhaps more successful women find themselves attracted to the more expensive levels. It’s a night for dressing up in your finest, grabbing a couple of girlfriends to form a small mob, and lighting up the town. Literally.