The relation between smokeless tobacco and cancer in Northern Europe and North America. A commentary on differences between the conclusions reached by two recent reviews
2009

Smokeless Tobacco and Cancer: A Comparison of Two Reviews

Commentary Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Peter N. Lee, Jan Hamling

Primary Institution: P.N. Lee Statistics and Computing Ltd, Surrey, UK

Hypothesis

What are the differences in cancer risk estimates between two reviews on smokeless tobacco?

Conclusion

A systematic meta-analysis using all relevant data suggests that the cancer risk from smokeless tobacco is significantly lower than previously claimed.

Supporting Evidence

  • The authors found lower risk estimates for cancers associated with smokeless tobacco than previously reported.
  • Recent studies show no significant increase in cancer risk for certain cancers when adjusted for smoking.
  • The commentary emphasizes the importance of using all relevant data in meta-analyses.

Takeaway

This study looks at two reviews about smokeless tobacco and cancer, showing that the risks might not be as high as some say.

Methodology

The authors compared methods, studies, and risk estimates used in two reviews.

Potential Biases

Potential bias from including non-smoking adjusted estimates.

Limitations

The study relies on the quality and comprehensiveness of the included studies.

Statistical Information

Confidence Interval

95% CI

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2407-9-256

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