More women are smoking worldwide even as male smoking rates decrease, according to a report by the International Network of Women Against Tobacco, the Associated Press reported on July 13.

Twelve percent of women worldwide smoke, and by 2025, that number may rise to 20 percent, the report states. By contrast, 48 percent of men smoke, but that rate is expected to decline.

The report, which used data from the World Health Organization, was released last week at an American Cancer Society conference.

Tobacco company marketing targeting women in developing countries may be the source of the rising figures, the report speculates. Ads featuring attractive, modern women on billboards 'change cultural beliefs about women and smoking,' the report says.