Women who
smoke tobacco are more likely to suffer from skin cancer, scientists say.Females are at greater risk than men of being diagnosed with a form of the disease that can spread to other organs. And women who have smoked for 20 years or more are twice as likely to get the disease.
A team investigated the relationship between smoking and non-melanoma skin cancers - in the outer part of the skin - including squamous cell carcinomas (SCC).
SCC has a substantial risk of spreading from one organ to another. Developing on the face around the ears or lips, it can erode and completely destroy the nose or ear if left untreated. However, this is uncommon in the early stages and most are treated before any spread occurs.
In the study, smoking histories were assessed and compared between patients diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancers, and a group of patients who didn't have skin cancer or any history of the condition.
