Does smoking increase breast cancer risk?

The American Cancer Societyshared new research observing increased risk of some common breast cancer types in young women who smoke.

Breast cancer, our country's most common cancer in women, affects them physically and psychologically. It is treatable when detected early and has four main subgroups. Stage and subgroup are the most important determinants of recurrence risk and treatment choices.

Smoking is a known risk factor for many cancers, particularly lung cancer. Earlier breast cancer findings were conflicting. This new American Cancer Society research first scientifically observed increased risk of some common types in young smokers. Among women aged 20-44 smoking a pack daily for at least 10 years, estrogen receptor-positive (female hormone-sensitive) cancer developed %60 more often than in lighter smokers. The risk of the rarer, more aggressive triple-negative breast cancer was found to be lower. Considering these findings, breast cancer emerges as another example of the harm smoking does to our health.

The study examined young women diagnosed between 2004-2010: 778 had advanced ER-positive disease and 182 advanced triple-negative disease, with 938 cancer-free women as controls.

Young smokers had approximately %30 greater risk of one breast cancer type than never-smokers. Examining types separately found no association with triple-negative disease.

Women smoking for at least 15 years or still smoking had approximately %50 greater ER-positive risk than shorter-duration smokers. Those smoking for 10 years at least 1 pack daily (10 pack-years) had approximately %60 greater risk than lighter smokers.

Researchers attributed the greater estrogen-positive cancer incidence to some tobacco substances acting like estrogen . Tobacco contains many harmful chemicals, prompting investigation of its influence. Results suggest smoking may be a risk factor for ER-positive breast cancer.

Dear readers, remember smoking is among the greatest health threats, contributing to many serious, potentially fatal diseases. You can escape this bad habit offering false happiness while damaging health. Quit for a healthier, happier and longer life with loved ones.

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