We welcome the publication of a new study by the Early Breast Cancer Trialists’ Collaborative Group. It shows that smokers treated for breast cancer have a much higher risk than non-smokers of developing lung cancer or having a heart attack.
The study, funded by Cancer Research UK, has been published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Key Findings
According to CRUK:
“The study shows that for non-smokers the long-term risk of death from lung cancer or heart attack – caused by radiation – is only 0.5 percent, but for smokers, this increases to around 5 percent.
These findings are based on a worldwide study by the Early Breast Cancer Trialists’ Collaborative Group of the lung and heart radiation doses and risks among 40,781 women with breast cancer in 75 randomised trials of radiotherapy.
The researchers also reviewed recent literature to account for modern radiotherapy techniques, which better target the cancer while sparing the lungs and heart compared to older methods.
Expert Commentary
Dr Carolyn Taylor, radiation oncologist and lead author from the University of Oxford, said:
“For non-smokers, the absolute risk of death from the side effects of modern radiotherapy is only about 0.5 percent, which is much less than the benefit. But for smokers, the risk is about 5 percent, which is comparable with the benefit.
“Stopping smoking at the time of radiotherapy will avoid most of the lung cancer and heart disease risk from radiotherapy, and has many other benefits.“
Radiotherapy remains an important treatment for breast cancer and reduces the likelihood of dying from the disease. For most non-smokers or ex-smokers the benefits of radiotherapy far outweigh any risks. But for some long-term continuing smokers, the risks may be greater than the benefits.
Dr Julie Sharp, Cancer Research UK’s head of health information, said:
“This research highlights that breast cancer patients who smoke need to be offered help and support in order to try and quit to minimise any risks from their treatment. It’s important to remember that modern day radiotherapy techniques have been refined and improved to make sure it is targeted and effective while reducing the risk of side-effects.”
Lorraine Dallas, Director of Information and Support Services at Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, commented:
“This report provides clear evidence of the benefits of not smoking, or stopping smoking after a first or subsequent cancer. It also makes plain the risks involved for people who continue to smoke while receiving radiation therapy.
We offer free information and support for anyone who has concerns about lung cancer, via our website or our Freephone helpline. We also have an online quit support forum for those trying to stop smoking.”