Recently, some studies have shown that smoking increases the risk of breast cancer; however, some older studies did not find a link.
There is some evidence that the younger you started smoking, the greater your risk of breast cancer, particularly if you stared smoking before you started having children. Also, it may be that the more heavily you smoke and the longer you smoke during your lifetime, the greater your risk of breast cancer.
Regardless of any potential breast cancer risk, smoking is a major cause of lung cancer and other cancers, as well as heart disease – all women and men are strongly advised not to smoke by health professionals, the government and health charities.
For information and advice on stopping smoking, contact your doctor or visit the NHS NHS Choices website.
Information last reviewed: 1 November 2011
