Second-hand smoke 'increases cancer risk' for children
Stubbing out could lower the risk of bladder cancer
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Thursday, 09, Nov 2006 11:11
Exposure to second-hand smoke at an early age can lead to an increased risk of bladder cancer in later life, scientists have claimed today.
The research, published in the International Journal of Cancer, argues that children and adolescents may be even more susceptible to the harmful effects of tobacco smoke than adults.
In the study, data of 429,906 people taking part in the European Prospective Investigation of Cancer and Nutrition (Epic) was analysed.
The results showed an exposure to second-hand smoke at an early age resulted in an almost 40 per cent increased risk of bowel bladder cancer in life compared to no exposure.
It also found that the later a person starts smoking, the lower their risk of developing the condition. For every five years later in life, the risk was reduced by 19 per cent.
Study co-author Dr Naomi Allen of Oxford University said: "Previous research has shown that there's a strong link between smoking and bladder cancer. But this study also suggests that young people who are exposed to second-hand smoke are more at risk of going on to develop the disease in later life.
"This adds to the growing body of evidence that children and adolescents may be even more vulnerable to the harmful effects of tobacco smoke than adults."
It was also shown that smokers, who are four times more likely to develop bladder cancer, increase this risk by smoking heavily and over a long period of time.
Although ex-smokers were found to be twice as likely to develop the disease as non-smokers, the risk declines for them over the years.
Dr Allen added: "This means that quitting works. Ex-smokers have a lower risk of developing bladder cancer than current smokers, and even heavy smokers will be able to reduce their risk of bladder cancer if they stop smoking."
Commenting on the results, Professor John Toy, Cancer Research UK's medical director, said: "Although more research is needed to confirm the seeming effects of childhood exposure to second-hand smoke, the study's findings support the health value of the smoking ban in public places.
"Evidence shows that smoke-free places encourage smokers to give up or reduce cigarette consumption and, so, will reduce passive smoke at home."