Cigars are often associated with relaxation or celebration, yet public health concerns persist regarding their impact on health. Many individuals wonder whether smoking cigars carries the same cancer risks as cigarettes, or if they are a safer alternative. This article explores the scientific evidence behind cigar smoking, detailing the harmful components of cigar smoke, the types of cancers associated with cigar use, and how different smoking patterns influence risk.
Harmful Substances in Cigar Smoke
Cigar smoke contains many toxic and carcinogenic compounds also found in cigarette smoke. These include tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs), potent carcinogens formed during tobacco curing and processing. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), another group of carcinogens, are also present from incomplete combustion. Heavy metals like cadmium, lead, and arsenic contribute to its toxic profile, accumulating in the body and potentially damaging DNA. Toxic gases such as carbon monoxide are also released, reducing the blood’s oxygen-carrying capacity. Overall, cigar combustion produces over 7,000 chemicals, many of which are harmful to human health.
Cancers Caused by Cigar Smoking
Cigar smoking is directly linked to several types of cancer, particularly those affecting the head and neck. Cancers of the oral cavity, including the lips, tongue, and mouth, are significantly elevated among cigar smokers due to direct contact with smoke. Cancers of the pharynx (throat) and larynx (voice box) are also common from continuous exposure to toxic smoke components. The esophagus, the tube connecting the throat to the stomach, is susceptible to cancer, as swallowed carcinogens from saliva directly irritate its lining. Lung cancer risk also increases, particularly for those who inhale deeply or frequently. Beyond these direct contact sites, cigar smoking is associated with an elevated risk of cancers in other parts of the body. This includes pancreatic cancer and bladder cancer, where carcinogens are absorbed into the bloodstream and processed by the kidneys before being excreted. Stomach cancer risk is also higher, illustrating the systemic impact of these harmful substances.
How Cigar Use Impacts Cancer Risk
The risk of developing cancer from cigar smoking is influenced by several factors related to smoking habits. The frequency of cigar use plays a significant role, with daily smokers facing substantially higher risks than occasional users. Even infrequent cigar smoking is not without risk, as exposure to carcinogens can still accumulate over time. The depth of inhalation also affects risk, particularly for lung cancer. While many cigar smokers do not inhale deeply, some degree of unintentional inhalation often occurs, allowing carcinogens to reach the lungs. The duration of cigar use, meaning the number of years an individual smokes cigars, directly correlates with increased cancer risk. Longer periods of exposure allow more time for cellular damage to accumulate. Starting cigar smoking at a younger age also increases the overall lifetime exposure to carcinogens, leading to a higher cumulative risk of cancer. Exposure to secondhand cigar smoke also poses health risks to non-smokers. The sidestream smoke from cigars, emitted from the burning end, contains higher concentrations of carcinogens than the mainstream smoke inhaled by the smoker.
Cigars Versus Cigarettes and Cancer Risk
A common misconception is that cigars are a safer alternative to cigarettes, but scientific evidence indicates this is not the case. Both contain similar harmful chemicals, including many known carcinogens. While cigars are often smoked differently, with less frequent deep inhalation, this does not eliminate the risk. Cigars typically contain more tobacco than cigarettes, with larger cigars holding as much as an entire pack. The prolonged burning time means a single cigar delivers a greater total dose of harmful chemicals. For cancers of the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, and esophagus, cigar smoking risk can be comparable to, or even higher than, cigarette smoking, especially for those who do not inhale deeply. Even without deep inhalation, cigar smoke is absorbed through the mouth’s mucous membranes, introducing carcinogens into the body. There is no safe form of tobacco use; all tobacco products, including cigars, carry significant health risks. The perception of reduced harm from cigars can lead to underestimation of their potential to cause cancer and other diseases.