Quitting smoking could be bad for your health

Cancer risk of nicotine gum, inhalers and lozenges used to quit smoking is higher than thought

A study by the University of London has found that the cancer risk of nicotine gum, inhalers and lozenges used to quit smoking is higher than thought. The scientists discovered a link between mouth cancer and exposure to nicotine, which may indicate that using oral nicotine replacement therapies for long periods could contribute to a raised risk of the disease. Dr. Muy-Teck Teh, who presided over the research explains: “The concern is that with smokers, you are looking at people who are already at risk of oral cancer. I’m worried that some may already have lesions they don’t know about in the mouth, and if they keep on taking nicotine replacement when they stop smoking products they will not be doing themselves any good.”

Times Online