Women smokers are more likely to develop colon cancer

Research published in the Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention journal of the American Cancer Research Association confirmed that men and women who smoke are more likely to develop colon cancer than non-smokers. The rates are even higher in women than in men.

Torhild Gram, M.D., Ph.D., professor in the Department of the Community of Medicine at the University of Tromsø in Norway, says that over the past 50 years, the number of men and women who develop cancer has increased dramatically. In women the number is even more surprising, with cases appearing in much larger quantities even in those who smoke less than men.

A questionnaire was made with more than 600,000 male and female patients in Norway asking about their smoking, physical activity and various lifestyle factors, as well as a basic check-up to assess their health conditions. one. The numbers are startling: In the last 14 years the research was done, 4000 new colon cancer cases have been discovered. Compared to nonsmokers, women had a 19% increase in cancer incidence, while they had 8%.

The risks are greatest in women who started smoking at age 16 or earlier or who have been smoking for about 40 years, increasing the odds by 50%. Even those who smoke a little during the day should be cautious, because even for this type of behavior, the numbers were alarming. Worth the tip for those who smoke start taking care more.

Does smoking or drinking increase my risk for colorectal cancer? - Dr. Russell Heigh (April 2024)


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