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Colorectal cancer occurs earlier in those exposed to tobacco smoke: implications for screening

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Abstract

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer in the USA. While various lifestyle factors have been shown to alter the risk for colorectal cancer, recommendations for the early detection of CRC are based only on age and family history.

Methods

This case-only study examined the age at diagnosis of colorectal cancer in subjects exposed to tobacco smoke. Subjects included all patients who attended RPCI between 1957 and 1997, diagnosed with colorectal cancer, and completed an epidemiologic questionnaire. Adjusted linear regression models were calculated for the various smoking exposures.

Results

Of the 3,540 cases of colorectal cancer, current smokers demonstrated the youngest age of CRC onset (never: 64.2 vs. current: 57.4, P < 0.001) compared to never smokers, followed by recent former smokers. Among never smokers, individuals with past second-hand smoke exposure were diagnosed at a significantly younger age compared to the unexposed.

Conclusion

This study found that individuals with heavy, long-term tobacco smoke exposure were significantly younger at the time of CRC diagnosis compared to lifelong never smokers. The implication of this finding is that screening for colorectal cancer, which is recommended to begin at age 50 years for persons at average risk should be initiated 5–10 years earlier for persons with a significant lifetime history of exposure to tobacco smoke.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Rochester, Rochester, USA

    Luke J. Peppone

  2. Department of Health Behavior, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, USA

    K. Michael Cummings & Andrew Hyland

  3. Department of Clinical Prevention, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, USA

    Martin C. Mahoney

  4. Department of Educational Affairs, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, USA

    Arthur M. Michalek

  5. Department of Epidemiology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, USA

    Mary E. Reid & Kirsten B. Moysich

  6. University of Rochester, 601 Elmwood Ave, Box 704, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA

    Luke J. Peppone

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  1. Luke J. Peppone
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  2. Martin C. Mahoney
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  3. K. Michael Cummings
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Correspondence to Luke J. Peppone.

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Peppone, L.J., Mahoney, M.C., Cummings, K.M. et al. Colorectal cancer occurs earlier in those exposed to tobacco smoke: implications for screening. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 134, 743–751 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00432-007-0332-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00432-007-0332-8

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