Why Should You Quit Smoking If You Have MDS or AML?

Smoking is known to increase your risk of developing cancer. If you are still smoking, how does this impact the outcome of MDS and AML?  

For the first time, researchers have revealed how smoking can cause specific genetic changes that increase the risk of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) worsening. Over time, MDS can progress to acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a more aggressive blood cancer. Read the study’s key findings below and watch an interview with the study’s lead researcher. 

How Smoking Impacts MDS 

Sangeetha Venugopal, MD, MS, from the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, conducted a study analyzing genetic data, smoking history, and cancer progression in nearly 1,900 individuals with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) or precursor conditions. The findings were presented at the 2024 ASH conference. 

The research revealed a strong link between smoking, harmful genetic mutations, and worse prognosis:

• Smokers accumulated up to 3.5 times more genetic mutations than non-smokers, which contributed to the worsening of MDS.
• Long-term smokers were particularly at risk, with approximately 27% experiencing disease progression compared to 18% of non-smokers or those with shorter smoking histories.
• Individuals with MDS who smoked had shorter survival compared to non-smokers, further underscoring the negative impact of smoking on the cancer.

“We’ve shown that smoking contributes to genetic changes in MDS. Quitting smoking could help slow disease progression and improve survival.” - Dr. Sangeetha Venugopal 

Smoking’s Impact on AML 

Another study presented at the 2024 ASH conference analyzed how smoking contributed to AML-related deaths among the world’s largest economies (G20 countries). 

The research found that smoking caused about 13% of all AML-related deaths in G20 countries in 2021, underscoring its role as a major preventable risk factor. 

Despite improvements in AML treatments, smoking continues to add to the cancer’s burden. This highlights the urgent need for stronger public health campaigns and support for stopping smoking. Efforts to promote healthier lifestyles could help reduce cases of smoking-related AML deaths. 

Finding Support 

While stopping smoking is never easy, especially for those who have smoked for many years, support is available. Talk to your doctor about programs, medications, and counseling that can support you to quit smoking. 

Read More News

Click the buttons below to keep reading news about myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). 

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Sources: 

• Association between Smoking Intensity, Genetic Mutations, and Disease Progression in Myelodysplastic Syndromes
• 1494 Exploring the Burden of Acute Myeloid Leukemia Attributable to Smoking in G20 Countries: A Three-Decade Analysis from the Gbd 2021
• Research Shows How Lifestyle Factors and Diet Affect Hematologic Care