Smokers have a significantly greater risk of developing precancerous polyps in the colon than non-smokers, according to a study presented November 1 at the 69th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology in Orlando.
Researchers at Our Lady of Mercy Medical Center in New York examined the relationship between polyps and dietary and recreational habits as well as medications in a study of 157 patients with an average age of 55 years.
The researchers gathered a range of demographic and health information, including smoking history and use of supplements including vitamins and minerals, among other information. Participants underwent colonoscopy screening to detect polyps and colorectal cancer.
The researchers found cigarette smokers were more likely to have polyps, to have a greater number of polyps and to have larger polyps than non-smokers. A logistic regression analysis determined a four percent increased risk of polyps for every additional year of smoking.
The researchers also found a significant association between the use of vitamin C and the absence of polyps. Sixteen patients regularly consumed vitamin C supplements at doses equal to or more than 1000 milligrams a day and none of them had polyps.
Source:Medical Week staff, November 6, 2004
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