Smoking and Skin Cancer




cigarette and cancer

We all know that ultraviolet sun exposure is the most serious risk factor involved in the development of different types of skin cancer. However, the link between smoking and skin tumours, although well-established, is less obvious to the general public. Previously held research clearly showed that smoking cigarettes could induce an additional risk of contracting squamous cell carcinoma - a dangerous type of skin cancer, typically observed in elderly people. A recent study conducted by researchers from Netherlands has revealed that, in fact, smoking can more than TRIPPLE your chances of developing squamous cell carcinoma!

The new study examined a groups of almost 1,000 subjects, both smokers and non-smokers, roughly half of whom were skin cancer patients. The researchers correlated the subjects’ smoking habits with the incidence in developing various types of skin tumours. Although no link has been discovered between smoking and melanoma, the most deadly type of skin cancer, a strong association has been found between smoking and squamous cell carcinoma. The researchers failed to find a link between tobacco consumption and another type of commonly observed skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma.

The scientists have come to the conclusion that, in current smokers, the risk of developing  squamous cell carcinoma is 3.3 times higher than in non-smokers. Former smokers can substantially reduce their risk of contracting skin cancer - to 1.9. A positive relationship has also been observed between the amount of smoked cigarettes and elevated risks of skin cancer - in heavy smokers, who puff more than 20 cigarettes a day, the risk runs as high as 4.1, while in smokers who consume less than 10 cigarettes a day, the risk drops to 2.4. Interestingly, no relationship has been found between cigar smoking and incidence of skin cancer, yet pipe smokers have been proven to run the same cancer risk as cigarette smokers.

Squamous cell carcinoma is a common skin disease, which makes about one third of all skin cancers, especially in people with blond or red hair and fair skin. Squamous cell carcinoma is a fast-growing and potentially lethal type of skin malignancy, which has a great potential for metastasis if not treated in its early stages. Squamous cell lesions, that usually begin as flesh-coloured skin elevations with a crusty surface, are seen most frequently on the face, ears, and back of the hands. Treatment involves surgical removal of the tumour together with the surrounding tissue.

Although the scientists have not pinpointed yet how smoking leads to skin cancer, the theory is that tobacco smoke destroys skin DNA, thus leading to the growth of malignant skin cells.

Jimmy Edwards

Generic Bupropion

Related Posts

Posted on April 12, 2008 
Filed Under Facts on Smoking, Smoking and Health, Tobacco Research

Comments

Leave a Reply