Nicotine may promote spread of breast cancer
Nicotine made breast cancer cells more likely to multiply and migrate in laboratory tests, according to the study published in the journal Cancer Research. Such evidence also suggests that nicotine given to help people stop smoking should be used cautiously.
Scientists had thought for some time that the toxic, cancer-causing components of cigarettes were ingredients other than nicotine, said Michael Thun, the head of epidemiology for the American Cancer Society in Atlanta, who wasn’t involved in the study.
Today’s study adds to other recent evidence that nicotine may also play a role in cancer, he said.
“Nicotine may have other adverse effects, in addition to addiction,” Thun said.
“What it all adds up to is that the best thing you can do is avoid exposure to tobacco smoke.”
Another study has found that up to a third of breast cancer cases are linked to obesity and lack of exercise.
Breast cancer charity Europa Donna Ireland yesterday launched an initiative to educate women on the enormous influence that lifestyle factors have on breast cancer risk.
A new website, www.breasthealthday.org, and a Guide to Breast Health that covers lifestyle factors influencing breast cancer were both launched at part of the charity’s Breast Health Day, launched in Dublin yesterday.
The aim of the Europa Donna Breast Health Day is to disseminate information concerning breast health and to raise awareness of prevention among women across Europe.
A study by the International Agency for Research on Cancer found that excess body weight and physical inactivity account for about 25%-33% of breast cancer cases.
There is also growing evidence that there is a protective association between physical activity and breast cancer, preferably over a lifetime, but probably beneficial even if begun after menopause.
Chairwoman Christine Murphy Whyte said appropriate lifestyle changes such as avoiding too much weight gain, increasing activity and eating a well-balanced diet could reduce the risk of breast cancer.
“It is estimated that one in 12 women in Ireland will be diagnosed with breast cancer before they are 80. There are many simple steps that women can take in order to improve their health which may reduce the risk of breast cancer in the long run,” said Ms Murphy Whyte.
About 2,000 Irish women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year and 650 die from the disease.
Good nutrition and moderate exercise, together with limiting red meat and alcohol help women improve their health and reduce the risk of breast cancer.
Mammography is widely accepted as the best method to detect breast cancer early and the charity is urging women to participate in population-based screening programmes.
Studies show that women who attend screening have a greater chance of surviving a breast cancer diagnosis.
It is estimated that deaths from breast cancer can be reduced by about 35% in women aged between 50 and 69 years who participate in screening.
Europa Donna — the European Breast Cancer Coalition — is an independent not-for-profit organisation whose members are affiliated groups throughout Europe.
