Connection between Smoking and Breast Cancer: Implications, Influences, and Further Details
For people who smoke, there are programs available to help with quitting, as smoking is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Women who currently smoke have a higher breast cancer risk compared to those who never smoked, and even former smokers experience an elevated risk relative to never smokers [1].
The risk also increases the longer and more a woman smokes. Research supports the conclusion that smoking is causally linked to breast cancer [1].
Secondhand smoke and smoking during treatment
While the direct effect of secondhand smoke on breast cancer risk requires more research, the overall carcinogenic effects of tobacco smoke strongly suggest a risk [1]. For people undergoing breast cancer treatment, smoking worsens outcomes and increases the likelihood of dying from breast cancer and other causes [4].
How smoking contributes to cancer risk
Tobacco smoke contains many carcinogens that cause DNA damage, leading to malignant transformation of cells over time [2]. The carcinogenic effect accumulates with duration and intensity of smoking [2].
Quitting smoking to lower risk
Smoking cessation dramatically reduces cancer risk over time, with benefits increasing the longer one remains smoke-free [2]. Risk decreases after quitting but may not return to the level of a never-smoker [3].
Doctors can provide support and smoking cessation options, such as counseling, medications, or nicotine replacement therapy, to help quit. Recommended strategies for quitting smoking to reduce breast cancer risk include speaking with healthcare providers about smoking cessation options customized to the individual, utilizing behavioral counseling, pharmacotherapy, and support groups, avoiding triggers and environments associated with smoking, recognizing smoking as a key modifiable risk factor for cancer, and prioritizing quitting efforts [2][4].
Other factors to consider
- Smoking is associated with a higher risk in women who started smoking before or at the time of their first period [5].
- Women of childbearing age who are BRCA2 mutation carriers and smoke have an increased risk of breast cancer [6].
- Smoking is associated with a modest but significantly increased risk of breast cancer in women who started smoking in adolescence or by the age of 17 [5].
- More research is necessary to understand the potential link between secondhand smoke and breast cancer risk [1].
Reducing the risk
People who do not smoke should avoid starting to reduce their risk of developing breast cancer and other smoking-related conditions. Women with a family history of breast cancer who smoke at any time in their lives have an increased risk of breast cancer [7]. Smoking for at least 10 years is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer [8].
People who smoke can also talk with their doctor for more advice on ways to quit smoking. Tips for quitting smoking include discussing smoking cessation medications with a doctor, setting a quit smoking date, starting an exercise or walking program, practicing mindful meditation, avoiding smoking triggers, trying distractions such as watching television or reading a book, finding a buddy who also wants to quit smoking, using a telephone quit-line, and contacting smoking cessation help programs such as those offered by the American Cancer Society and the American Lung Association.
In summary, smoking is a modifiable risk factor for breast cancer that also worsens treatment outcomes. Avoiding smoking and quitting if currently smoking—supported by medical interventions—are effective strategies to reduce breast cancer risk and improve prognosis after diagnosis. Secondhand smoke exposure’s role is less clear but likely harmful due to tobacco’s carcinogenic nature [1].
[1] American Cancer Society. (2021). Breast cancer and tobacco smoke exposure. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/risk-factors/tobacco-smoke-exposure.html
[2] National Cancer Institute. (2019). Smoking and cancer risk. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/tobacco/cigarettes-fact-sheet
[3] American Cancer Society. (2021). How does quitting smoking affect cancer risk? Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-causes/tobacco-and-cancer/how-does-quitting-smoking-affect-cancer-risk.html
[4] National Cancer Institute. (2021). Smoking and breast cancer treatment. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/side-effects/smoking-during-treatment
[5] National Cancer Institute. (2021). Breast cancer and smoking. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/hp/breast-smoking-fact-sheet
[6] National Cancer Institute. (2021). Breast cancer and BRCA mutations. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/hp/breast-brca-fact-sheet
[7] American Cancer Society. (2021). Family history of breast cancer and your risk. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/risk-factors/family-history.html
[8] American Cancer Society. (2021). Breast cancer and smoking. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/risk-factors/tobacco-smoke-exposure.html
- Seekers aiming to lower their breast cancer risk should consider quitting smoking, as smoking is causally linked to breast cancer.
- For switchers who have switched from smoking to vaping or other nicotine alternatives, the recurrence of smoking is still a concern due to the carcinogenic effects of tobacco.
- In the workplace-wellness arena, providing resources and support for women with medical conditions like smoking-induced breast cancer is essential for health and wellness promotion.
- Science has demonstrated that smoking contributes to the development of various cancers, including breast cancer, through DNA damage causing malignant cell transformations.
- Therapies and treatments for breast cancer patients often recommend quitting smoking to improve treatment outcomes and increase the likelihood of surviving the disease.
- Persons with a history of smoking may still face an elevated risk of breast cancer, even after quitting, due to the long-term effects of tobacco on the body.
- The fitness and exercise community encourages women to prioritize quitting smoking, as it is a modifiable risk factor for various health issues, including breast cancer.
- Mental health professionals should address smoking as a crucial factor when counseling patients with conditions like breast cancer, given its impact on physical health and treatment outcomes.
- Men's Health should include advice on quitting smoking as a preventative measure, given the potential increased risk of breast cancer associated with smoking.
- Skin care products and routines are not directly related to breast cancer, but maintaining overall health, including addressing smoking habits, is essential for comprehensive health and wellness.
