July 10, 2012
Everyone knows that smoking is linked to many horrible diseases like lung cancer, heart disease, and oral cancer. But there is another reason to quit.
Smokers have an increased risk of skin cancer. A new study published online in the Archives of Dermatology compared many research studies (called a meta-analysis) and concluded that smoking increases the risk of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the skin. The studies they reviewed included results from 11 different countries on four different continents.
So, if you are a smoker, here is another reason the quit. Oh, and schedule a total body skin examination as SCC and actinic keratosis (pre-cancerous lesions) are treatable if caught early.
For the full study see Smoking and the Risk of Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer.
