Hookah smoking and cancer: carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels in exclusive/ever hookah smokers
2008

Hookah Smoking and Cancer: CEA Levels in Exclusive Hookah Smokers

Sample size: 59 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Sajid Khan Mohammad, Chaouachi Kamal, Mahmood Rubaida

Primary Institution: Multan Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Radiotherapy (MINAR), Multan, Pakistan

Hypothesis

What are the serum CEA levels in exclusive hookah smokers compared to non-smokers?

Conclusion

Heavy hookah smoking substantially raises CEA levels, although overall levels in exclusive hookah smokers are low compared to cigarette smokers.

Supporting Evidence

  • Exclusive hookah smokers had mean CEA levels of 3.58 ng/ml.
  • Heavy smokers had significantly higher CEA levels than non-smokers.
  • Light smokers had CEA levels within normal limits.

Takeaway

Hookah smokers have lower cancer marker levels than cigarette smokers, but heavy hookah use can still increase these levels significantly.

Methodology

Serum CEA levels were measured using enhanced chemiluminescent immunometric technique in 59 exclusive male hookah smokers and 36 non-smokers.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to self-reported smoking habits and exclusion of occasional smokers.

Limitations

The study may not account for other tobacco product use among participants.

Participant Demographics

59 male exclusive hookah smokers aged 20-80 years, mean age 58.8 years.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p ≤ 0.0937

Statistical Significance

p ≤ 0.0001567

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1477-7517-5-19

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