(October 1, 2010 - Insidermedicine)

Both active and passive exposure to tobacco smoke have been linked with an increased risk for breast cancer in research presented at the Third American Academy of Cancer Research (AACR) Conference.

Here are some recommendations regarding screening for breast cancer, from the American Cancer Society:

•    Begin mammography at age 40.

•    For women in their 20s and 30s, clinical breast examination should be part of a periodic health examination, preferably at least every three years.

•    Asymptomatic women aged 40 and over should continue to receive a clinical breast examination as part of a periodic health examination, preferably annually.

Researchers out of the National Institute for Public Health in Mexico City interviewed 504 women with breast cancer and 504 healthy women of similar age about their lifetime smoking habits and exposure to passive tobacco smoke. The investigators then analyzed the relationship between tobacco smoke exposure and breast cancer risk.

Women with a history of passive exposure to tobacco smoke had three times the risk of developing breast cancer as never smokers with no passive smoking exposure. The link between passive smoking and breast cancer remained high regardless of menopausal status. Active smoking was also linked with an increased risk for breast cancer but only if the women began smoking between puberty and the birth of their first child.

Today’s research demonstrates the need to reduce both active and passive tobacco smoke exposure in order to diminish breast cancer risk.