Passive smoking increases the risk of oral cancer

A study published in the journal Tobacco Control[1] found that people exposed to secondhand smoke were 51% more likely to develop oral cancer, which mainly affects the lips, tongue, palate, gums or inside of the cheeks.

Active smoking is a well-known cause of oral cancer, however, it has not yet been established whether passive smoking also causes this type of cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential association between exposure to second-hand smoke and the risk of oral cancer.

The study reviewed and analyzed five publications involving 6,977 people, of whom 3,452 were exposed to secondhand smoke and 3,525 were not. The studies were conducted in Asia, Europe, North America and Latin America.

Results which once again confirm the dangers of passive smoking

Oral cancers account for nearly 450,000 new cases of cancer and 230,000 deaths each year worldwide.[2]. Important risk factors for these forms of cancer include active smoking, use of chewing tobacco or alcohol consumption. Oral cancers are six times more common among smokers or ex-smokers than among non-smokers.[3]. The results of this analysis showed that people exposed to second-hand smoke had a 51% higher risk of developing oral cancer than non-smokers not exposed to passive smoking. Furthermore, when the duration of exposure to passive smoking exceeds 10/15 years, the risk of oral cancer for exposed non-smokers more than doubles compared to unexposed people.

In addition, a positive association has been reported between exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke and laryngeal and pharyngeal cancers.[4]. This risk of developing cancer in exposed non-smokers is increased by approximately 25 % compared to unexposed non-smokers.[5].

Second-hand smoke has also been shown to increase cardiovascular risk, cause or worsen respiratory diseases and increase the risk of death by at least 30%[6]. In pregnant women, exposure to secondhand smoke can lead to low birth weight, premature delivery, and sudden infant death syndrome. According to the study, globally one in three (33%) men, 35% women, and two in five (40%) children are exposed to secondhand smoke, even though they do not smoke themselves.

The authors point out that the identification of these harmful effects must support the actions of public health professionals but also guide decision-makers in public policies. This particularly concerns prevention policies and the application of smoking bans for which good practices have been defined in the WHO Framework Convention Article 8 Guidelines.

Keywords: Passive smoking, health, Cancer, Oral cancer

©Generation Without Tobacco

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[1] Mariano LC, Warnakulasuryia S, Straif K, et al. Secondhand smoke exposure and oral cancer risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis, Tob Control Epub ahead of print: [04/28/2021]. doi:10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2020-056393 [2] Ferlay J, Colombet M, Soerjomataram I, et al. Estimating the global cancer incidence and mortality in 2018: GLOBOCAN sources and methods. Int J Cancer 2019;144:1941–53 [3] Oral cavity (oral) cancer, Cancer Environment, updated February 8, 2021, accessed April 22, 2021 [4] IARC Working Group on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans. Personal habits and indoor combustions. volume 100 E. A review of human carcinogens. IARC Monogr Eval Carcinog Risks Hum 2012;100:1–538 [5] Stayner L, Bena J, Sasco AJ, Smith R, Steenland K, Kreuzer M, et al. Lung cancer risk and workplace exposure to environmental tobacco smoke. Am J Public Health. 2007;97(3):545-51. [6] CNCT, Passive smoking, a deadly risk National Committee Against Smoking |