That's what killed my mother, too. Only, I thought it was "oat cell." No matter.
But, you're right. Our folks grew up in a time when cigarettes were advertised as helping one breath better. Now we know better.
That's why I'm amazed when I read about smoking being on the rise among teenagers.
I'm not. I've never smoked, and the only time I have any desire to is when I see one of those sanctimonious anti-smoking PSAs. Given that teenagers are naturally rebellious, the demonization of smokers by government and media may very well make smoking more attractive to them.