Early Morning Smoking May Be Linked To Increased Risk Of Certain Cancers.

Early Morning Smoking May Be Linked To Increased Risk Of Certain Cancers.

The CNN (8/8, Tinker) "The Chart" blog reports that "smokers who indulge in their first cigarette shortly after waking up have an increased risk of developing lung and head and neck cancers, according to two new studies published in Cancer, a journal of the American Cancer Society." Researchers found that individuals "who smoked their first cigarette between 31 and 60 minutes after waking up were more than 30% more likely to develop lung cancer; the odds increased to nearly 80% for those who smoked in their first half-hour awake." Meanwhile, "for head and neck cancers, subjects were more than 40% more likely if they indulged in the 31-60 minute window, and nearly 60% more likely for those who smoked in their first half-hour awake."

MedPage Today (8/8, Phend) reports that although "any smoking boosts cancer risks, an early start in the day might be particularly risky because it signals stronger nicotine dependence, the researchers suggested." BBC News (8/8) also covers the story.