From 2001 to 2018, smoking rates dropped by 4.84% each year among U.S. women aged 20–49, but this decrease did not correspond with measurable changes in the rates of breast, colorectal, or uterine cancer in the same population.

38

Pro

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Against

Evidence from Studies

Supporting (1)

38

Community contributions welcome

38

Population-Level Trends in Lifestyle Factors and Early-Onset Breast, Colorectal, and Uterine Cancers

Cross-Sectional Study

Human

2026 Jan 3

Even though fewer women were smoking between 2001 and 2018, the rates of breast, colorectal, and uterine cancers didn’t go down — so quitting smoking didn’t seem to affect these cancer rates in this group. Instead, gaining weight and drinking more alcohol were more closely linked to the rising cancer numbers.

Contradicting (0)

0

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No contradicting evidence found

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According to GRADE and EBM methodology, here is what ideal scientific evidence would look like to definitively prove or disprove this specific claim, ordered from strongest to weakest evidence.

Source Study

Population-Level Trends in Lifestyle Factors and Early-Onset Breast, Colorectal, and Uterine Cancers

Score: 38

DOI: 10.3390/cancers18010167

Similar Assertions

Fewer people in the U.S. are dying from cancer now than in the past, mainly because fewer people smoke, cancer is caught earlier, and treatments have gotten better.

39

0

73%

Between 2001 and 2018, rates of breast, colorectal, and uterine cancers rose significantly among U.S. women aged 20 to 49, with the fastest increases occurring in women under 30, especially White women aged 20–24 for colorectal cancer and Hispanic women aged 25–29 for uterine cancer.

38

0

71%

Between 2001 and 2018, alcohol consumption rose steadily among U.S. women aged 20–49, and this increase was statistically linked to higher rates of breast, colorectal, and uterine cancers. No similar links were found with smoking, calorie intake, saturated fat, or physical activity.

38

0

71%