Smoking Is Associated with Increased Risk for Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer

Smoking is associated with risk for squamous cell carcinoma in both men and women, but especially among women.

Previous studies examining the association between smoking and nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) have produced mixed results. Investigators conducted a case-control study comparing patients who had basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) with a control group of individuals attending a skin cancer detection screening. The analysis controlled for variations in skin, eye, and hair color; alcohol consumption; history of blistering sunburn; occupational sun exposure; and tanning ability. The control population was examined for skin cancer and those with skin cancer were eliminated.

A history of ever smoking was associated with SCC but not with BCC. A dose-dependent curve associated greater risk for SCC with more cigarettes smoke…

Reviewing Author

Jeffrey P. Callen, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory board XOMA; Eli Lilly; Celgene

Equity Various trust accounts

Editorial boards JAMA Dermatology; UpToDate

Leadership positions in professional societies Association of Professors of Dermatology (President-Elect)