Girl smokers 'risk breast cancer' 

Teenage girls who smoke are in danger of developing breast cancer in their 30s and 40s, according to new research published today.

A study of 700 women has found that adolescent smoking increases the risks of premenopausal breast cancer by 70 per cent.

Canadian researchers who carried out the study believe that breast tissue is most vulnerable to cancer-causing chemicals during puberty.

The findings provide some of the first evidence linking breast cancer and smoking. Although they contradict some earlier studies, scientists say they highlight the importance of stopping teenagers from taking up the habit. . .

Dr Stephen Duffy, of Cancer Research UK, said smoking was known to affect hormone levels, and women who smoked had an earlier menopause.

He said: "This study suggests an increased risk of breast cancer for women who smoke in their teens and a decreased risk of the disease for women who take up smoking later in life, after their first pregnancy. Both of these could be chance findings.

"The effect of smoking on the risks of heart disease, respiratory disorders, lung and other cancers by far outweighs any possible protective effect."

Jump to full article »

This study suggests an increased risk of breast cancer for women who smoke in their teens and a decreased risk of the disease for women who take up smoking later in life, after their first pregnancy. Both of these could be chance findings. The effect of smoking on the risks of heart disease, respiratory disorders, lung and other cancers by far outweighs any possible protective effect.
Dr Stephen Duffy, of Cancer Research UK, on the breast cancer study reported in Lancet.