The results of several studies have shown that the damage from cigarette smoking continues even for those who have quit, and the effect lasts longer in women than in men.

According to a study unveiled at the American College of Gastroenterology's 76th annual meeting in Washington, cigarette smoking appears to impair pancreatic duct cell function -- even for those who quit -- putting all smokers at risk of compromised digestive function regardless of age, gender and alcohol intake.

In a separate study from the University of Connecticut, it was found out that the risk of advanced pre-cancerous tissue changes (neoplasia) was significantly elevated for women, even if they stopped smoking, but not for men, suggesting that smoking in women has longer effects than in men.

In the study, "Cigarette Smoking Impairs Pancreatic Duct Cell Function," researchers from Center for Pancreatic Disease at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston found that the risk of pancreatic duct cell dysfunction was 56.78 percent in former or current smokers and 26.32 percent in nonsmokers.

"Our data suggests the risk of duct cell dysfunction was doubled in patients who smoked compared to nonsmokers," said Dr. Vivek Kadiyala, who presented the findings.

"These findings indicate that anyone with a history of smoking, either current or past is at greater risk of impaired pancreatic duct cell function," said Kadiyala.

"Additionally, the findings underscore the value that early smoking cessation may have for patients with chronic pancreatitis and as a result health care providers should advise patients to quit smoking as part of their overall treatment plan."

It was also found out that women are still at an increased risk for colorectal cancer even after they stopped smoking, according to researchers at the University of Connecticut who examined the risk of advanced neoplasia in 2,428 male and female patients over age 45 who have quit smoking.

"The risk of advanced neoplasia was significantly elevated for women and men whether they were current smokers and/ or former smokers who quit within five years of screening colonoscopy," said Joseph C. Anderson, MD, FACG, also of the White River Junction VA Medical Center in Vermont, who presented the findings.

"The risk was elevated for female smokers who quit six to 10 years prior to screening but not for male smokers," he added.

Research data suggests that the impact of smoking has a longer effect in women than in men, and that the data could have an impact on colorectal cancer screening in male versus female smokers.