Those here all are aware that smoking is one of the most important causes of head and neck cancer.

Other important untoward results of active and second hand smoke exposure is the increased risk of respiratory bacterial infections. These include sinusitis, ear infection, bronchitis and pneumonia. Recent studies we and others did show that smokers harbor more bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics, can be a source of spread of these bacteria to others (including their household members), and when smokers get respiratory infections, treating them may be more difficult than treating non-smokers. A recent study of smokers with sinusitis we have just completed, shows that sinusitis in smokers is often caused by antibiotic resistant bacteria including methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

Since there may be people here that are engaging in educating our youth, this information is important. But there are also cancer patients that have more complications even when they have given up the habit right before treatment. The multi faceted impacts of tobacco are likely contributors for much of this.

Survivors of head and neck cancer engaged in educating young individuals about the risks of smoking can also use this information. It will hopefully be another incentive to stop smoking. It is additional information that shows young people who are not yet smokers, that cancer while the clearly the worst of the outcomes, is not the only outcome of the habit. that will impact their lives. I would be happy to see that any advocates have the source articles for this information to use in any presentations that they have.

Dr I Brook MD