Smokers Mistakenly Believe Vitamins Protect Them From Cancer

FRIDAY, Aug. 5 (HealthDay News) -- Smokers who take a multivitamin pill may think they can smoke more because the supplement protects them from the harmful affects of cigarettes, according to a new study.

Researchers found that some people who smoke mistakenly believe the vitamins will reduce their risk of cancer, allowing them to light up more often. The study noted that such trading of a virtuous behavior for a subsequent indulgence, known as the "licensing effect," could undermine smokers' urge to kick the addiction.

"Smokers who take dietary supplements can fool themselves into thinking they are protected against cancer and other diseases. Reminding health-conscious smokers that multivitamins don't prevent cancer may help them control their smoking or even encourage them to stop," said the study's lead author, Wen-Bin Chiou in a journal news release.

The study, published online Aug. 2 in the journal Addiction, involved two experiments. In the first experiment, a group of 74 daily smokers were given a placebo (dummy) pill, but half were told they were taking a vitamin C pill. After taking the pills, the smokers were allowed to smoke freely as they took an unrelated hour-long survey.

Researchers found the smokers who thought they had taken vitamins smoked nearly twice as many cigarettes than those who knew they took the placebo. They also reported having greater feelings of invincibility.

In the second study, 80 smokers were also given a placebo, with half being told they were taking a multivitamin. Afterwards, they were allowed to smoke while they took a survey, which contained questions about their attitudes towards multivitamins.

Not only did those who took multivitamins smoke more, but those who reported believing in the health benefits of vitamins had a greater surge in their feelings of invincibility and smoked still more than those who were less optimistic about the vitamins' effects.

The study's authors concluded health-conscious smokers who take vitamins may wrongly feel less vulnerable to the harmful effects of cigarettes. As a result, the researchers added, they may smoke more, increasing their overall health risks.

More information

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides more information on how to quit smoking.

SOURCE: Wiley-Blackwell, news release, Aug. 2, 2011

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Cancer Patients May Be at Greater Risk for Sun Damage

TUESDAY, Aug. 2 (HealthDay News) -- During the summer, cancer patients are at greater risk for sun damage and need to be extra vigilant about sun safety, researchers say.

"Cancer patients may be more at risk for sun damage because of their treatment," said Dr. Elizabeth Kvale, director of outpatient supportive care and survivorship in the Department of Medicine at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, in a university news release.

"Skin that has been treated with radiation therapy may lose some of its natural protective capacity because of the changes that occur with treatment," she said. "Radiation-exposed skin should be completely protected from sun exposure."

In order to protect their skin from the sun's harmful rays, the UAB experts recommend that cancer patients follow some basic sun-protection guidelines during hot weather, including:

Apply sunscreenWear protective clothing Cover surgical scars (they may darken if exposed to the sun) Wear a hat (this is especially important for patients who have lost their hair)

Skin cancer patients should pay particular attention to the areas of skin being treated, advised the American Society of Clinical Oncologists. Dark, tightly woven fabrics are best for guarding against sun exposure, the group noted.

The UAB experts added that children who have been diagnosed with cancer are among those at greatest risk. "Pediatric cancer patients, survivors and their caregivers should be especially attentive to sun safety," said Kvale, who is also an associate scientist in the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Kvale explained that children who experience sunburn have a significantly elevated risk of developing serious skin cancer in the long-term.

The sun's harmful UV rays are not the only reason cancer patients have to exercise caution during the summer. Cancer patients are also more susceptible to heat exhaustion or dehydration since vomiting, diarrhea and nausea are side-effects of cancer treatment. As a result, UAB experts warn that cancer patients should also take the following steps:

Drink plenty of fluids throughout the dayChew on ice chips Avoid beverages with alcohol or caffeineEat fruits and vegetables with high fluid content

More information

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides more tips on sun safety.

SOURCE: University of Alabama at Birmingham, news release, July 28, 2011.

Copyright © 2011 HealthDay. All rights reserved.

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