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Cigarette smoking and breast cancer
1MRC Epidemiology and Medical Care Unit, Northwick Park Hospital, Harrow, Middlesex, United Kingdom.
American Journal of Epidemiology
|January 1, 1989
Summary
This study found no overall link between smoking and breast cancer risk. However, premenopausal ex-smokers showed an increased risk, suggesting complex hormonal influences.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Cigarette smoking is a known risk factor for numerous cancers.
- The association between smoking and breast cancer risk in women remains a subject of investigation.
- Hormonal factors are crucial in breast cancer development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between cigarette smoking and breast cancer risk in women.
- To explore potential subgroup differences in this association.
Main Methods:
- A population-based case-control study was conducted in Adelaide, Australia.
- 451 case-control pairs were enrolled, with cases identified via the South Australian Central Cancer Registry.
- Age-matched controls were selected from the electoral register.
Main Results:
- No clear association was found between ever or current smoking and overall breast cancer risk.
- Premenopausal ex-smokers demonstrated an elevated risk of breast cancer (odds ratio = 2.3).
Conclusions:
- The study suggests that cigarette smoking may not have a general protective effect on breast cancer risk.
- The findings may be related to the estrogen dependence of breast cancer or its hormonal influences.