RISK AND RISK REDUCTION > Healthy lifestyle and risk reduction > Tobacco smoke
HEALTHY LIFESTYLE AND RISK REDUCTION
TOBACCO SMOKE
In 2009, the Canadian Expert Panel on Tobacco Smoke and Breast Cancer Risk comprehensively reviewed the existing scientific evidence on tobacco smoke and breast cancer risk. Based on this review, the Panel concluded that active smoking is linked to an increase in breast cancer risk for both pre-menopausal and post-menopausal women. The Panel also found an association between exposure to second-hand smoke and increased breast cancer risk for pre-menopausal women. Evidence on second-hand smoke and breast cancer risk for post-menopausal women remains inconclusive.
Exposure to tobacco smoke may affect breast tissue differently depending on what stage of development the tissue is in. Current research suggests that women who begin smoking starting in adolescence and before carrying a full-term pregnancy may be particularly vulnerable to the effects of tobacco smoke on increasing breast cancer risk.
Adolescence is a period of rapid development for the breasts, and it is believed that during this time the breasts may be more susceptible to cancer-causing agents. Full development of the breast tissue takes place after a first full-term pregnancy, when hormones cause breast tissue to mature in a way that seems to protect against the effects of some cancer-causing agents.
There is ongoing research to try to better understand the relationship between tobacco smoke and breast cancer risk for women of all ages.
For women of all ages there are many benefits to not smoking, in addition to reduced breast cancer risk. Smoking is associated with higher risk for other conditions, such as heart disease, lung cancer, and other cancers. Reducing or eliminating your exposure to active and passive smoke offers a number of health benefits with regard to blood pressure, circulation, lung function, reproduction, and lower risk for a number of diseases.
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