Summary
Introduction:
This text reviews a scientific study examining the relationship between electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use and the diagnosis of nonmelanoma skin cancer among US adults. The study used data from the National health Interview Survey (NhIS) from 2014 to 2018 and the adult cancer file for the year 2015. Participants who reported having a diagnosis of nonmelanoma skin cancer were included, along with a comparison group of participants who reported never being diagnosed with any type of cancer.
Key Points:
* The study found that males and older adults were significantly more likely to be diagnosed with nonmelanoma skin cancer.
* Cigarette use was significantly associated with an increased risk of nonmelanoma skin cancer.
* however, there was no relationship between e-cigarette use and diagnosis of nonmelanoma skin cancer.
* almost all patients diagnosed with nonmelanoma skin cancer were White and non-hispanic.
* The study suggests that combustible cigarette use may be a risk factor for developing nonmelanoma skin cancer.
* Only a small proportion (7.2%) of those diagnosed with nonmelanoma skin cancer have ever used an e-cigarette.
* The study was based on survey results and could be limited by recall bias.
Main Message:
The study found that e-cigarette use was not significantly associated with the diagnosis of nonmelanoma skin cancer. however, cigarette use was associated with increased odds of a diagnosis of nonmelanoma skin cancer. While the study did not find an association between e-cigarette use and nonmelanoma skin cancer diagnosis, more research is needed to better understand the long-term health effects of e-cigarette use, including effects on the skin.
Citation
Dugan K, Breit S, Okut h, ablah E. Electronic Cigarette Use and the Diagnosis of Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer among United States adults. Cureus. 2021;13(10):1. doi:10.7759/cureus.19053
