Smokers Don't Seem to Have More Aggressive Breast Cancers

Most, but not all of the research looking at the link between smoking and breast cancer suggests that smoking increases breast cancer risk. A study looked at whether smoking specifically increased the risk of being diagnosed with advanced or very aggressive breast cancer. Advanced breast cancer is harder to treat than early breast cancer. The study found that women who smoke are not more likely to have advanced breast cancer than women who don't smoke.

While this is a bit of good news, smoking is NOT a good idea. Smoking is still the most preventable cause of death in the United States. Smoking causes lung cancer and chronic lung disease. Smoking can negatively affect the health of your bones. And it probably increases breast cancer risk.

If you don't smoke, don't start. If you do smoke, try to work with your doctor to find a stop-smoking program that works for you. Over-the-counter and prescription treatments may give you some help to start. Some people have successfully used acupuncture to quite smoking. Quitting on your own can be difficult, so ask your family and friends to help and support you.

Visit the breastcancer.org Lower Your Risk section to learn more about how you can kick the smoking habit for good.