A recent study found that postmenopausal women who smoked or were exposed to second-hand smoke were more likely to contract breast cancer. Women who smoked and quit from up to 20 years before menopause were over 1.16 percent more likely to develop breast cancer. Even women who were exposed to second- hand smoke in large amounts also were at increased risk for breast cancer. The recent data emphasizes the importance of smoking prevention and cessation in women no matter what the age.
Cigarette smoking and exposure to second hand smoke not only increases the risks for breast cancer but also other cancers in the bladder, lungs and mesothelium. Lung and breast cancer kill many men and women per year. Many environmental factors can be linked to the development of many different cancers. The pollution, cigarette smoke, pesticides even materials present in buildings are known carcinogens.
Asbestos is a material used in many homes and buildings that is the known cause of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is one particular type of lung cancer that attacks the lining of crucial internal organs including the lungs and heart. Asbestos use was outlawed once its toxicity was discovered but many who worked in construction, renovation and shipyards were exposed and risk developing mesothelioma. Cigarette smoke doesn’t cause mesothelioma but increases the risk a person will contract the deadly disease. Asbestos is still present in many buildings so people still chance contraction of mesothelioma.
