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Active and passive smoking and risk of breast cancer: a meta-analysis

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Abstract

Studies on active and passive tobacco smoking and breast cancer have found inconsistent results. A meta-analysis of observational studies on tobacco smoking and breast cancer occurrence was conducted based on systematic searches for studies with retrospective (case–control) and prospective (cohort) designs. Eligible studies were identified, and relative risk measurements were extracted for active and passive tobacco exposures. Random-effects meta-analyses were used to compute summary relative risks (SRR). Heterogeneity of results between studies was evaluated using the (I 2) statistics. For ever active smoking, in 27 prospective studies, the SRR for breast cancer was 1.10 (95 % CI [1.09–1.12]) with no heterogeneity (I 2 = 0 %). In 44 retrospective studies, the SRR was 1.08 (95 % CI [1.02–1.14]) with high heterogeneity (I 2 = 59 %). SRRs for current active smoking were 1.13 (95 % CI [1.09–1.17]) in 27 prospective studies and 1.08 (95 % CI [0.97–1.20]) in 22 retrospective studies. The results were stable across different subgroup analyses, notably pre/post-menopause, alcohol consumption adjustments, including/excluding passive smokers from the referent group. For ever passive smoking, in 11 prospective studies, the SRR for breast cancer was 1.07 (95 % CI [1.02–1.13]) with no heterogeneity (I 2 = 1 %). In 20 retrospective studies, the SRR was 1.30 (95 % CI [1.10–1.54]) with high heterogeneity (I 2 = 74 %). Too few prospective studies were available for meaningful subgroup analyses. There is consistent evidence for a moderate increase in the risk of breast cancer in women who smoke tobacco. The evidence for a moderate increase in risk with passive smoking is more substantial than a few years ago.

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Acknowledgments

The authors thank Magali Boniol for the data extraction verifications.

Author contribution

A.M. and P.B. designed the study. A.M. did the literature search, extracted and analysed the data. All authors interpreted the results. A.M. wrote the report. All authors reviewed, revised and edited the report.

Funding

This work was founded by the International Prevention Research Institute.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. International Prevention Research Institute (iPRI), 95 cours Lafayette, 69006, Lyon, France

    Alina Macacu, Philippe Autier, Mathieu Boniol & Peter Boyle

  2. Strathclyde Institute of Global Public Health at iPRI, Espace Européen d’Ecully, Bâtiment G, Allée Claude Debussy, 69130, Ecully Ouest Lyon, France

    Philippe Autier, Mathieu Boniol & Peter Boyle

  3. International Prevention Research Institute, Espace Européen d’Ecully, Bâtiment G, Allée Claude Debussy, 69130, Ecully Ouest Lyon, France

    Alina Macacu

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  1. Alina Macacu
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Correspondence to Alina Macacu.

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Macacu, A., Autier, P., Boniol, M. et al. Active and passive smoking and risk of breast cancer: a meta-analysis. Breast Cancer Res Treat 154, 213–224 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10549-015-3628-4

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