The 13th World Conference on Tobacco OR Health

Objective: Few data are available to explain the continuing increase in lung cancer mortality among Macedonian people. Aim: The study was designed to examine the role of passive smoking in development of lung cancer.

Methods: Data collected by personal interviews during the 15 months of a hospital-based case-control study are reported. A total of 139 microscopically confirmed cases and the same number of frequency-matched controls were analysed using multiple logistic regression.

Results: Exposure to environmental smoke was associated with elevated lung cancer risk. Never smokers exposed to passive smoking at home have 4.47 (95% CI 0.45-44.01) times higher risk for lung cancer, compared to un-exposed persons. Those who are exposed at work place have 3.17 (95% CI 0.17-58.71) times higher risk. Significantly increased risk for lung cancer was found among those exposed to passive smoking at home and at work, compared to un-exposed (OR=19.00; 95% CI 1.15-314.99). Conclusion: Passive smoking increases the risk of lung cancer. Tobacco addiction is the single greatest cause of preventable disease and death, so deciding never to smoke is a positive choice for health. The next best choice is to give up the habit.