Nicotene and Cancer Risk

With another study recently released, we see that nicotine chewing gum, lozenges and inhalers that people use to kick their smoking habits may actually have the potential to cause cancer.

This recent study, funded by the Medical Research Council of Queen Mary, University of London, found that the effects of a genetic mutation that is common in mouth cancer can be worsened by nicotine in the levels that are typically found in smoking cessation products.

The risk may be increased by prolonged use of the nicotine supplements and may indicate that nicotine itself may be more carcinogenic than had previously been appreciated.

The researchers still agree that smoking is far more dangerous but overuse of these products are certainly not risk-free.

Although nicotine is acknowledged as the addictive element in cigarettes its role in cancer has long been disputed and it is not as potent a carcinogen as other chemicals found in tobacco smoke, such as tar.

The gene currently being studied is called the FOXM1 gene. Mutations that increase the activity of this gene can be found in many tumors and seems to be increased with prolonged nicotine use.

Working with this gene may lead to new ways of diagnosing mouth cancer while it is still in its early stages and make it easier to treat.

For now, the recommendation remains to stop smoking and utilize these nicotine replacement products sparingly and for short periods of time.