{
  "id": 17693885,
  "title": "Shisha smoking increases breast cancer risk among young women – Expert Warns",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/01/shisha-smoking-increases-breast-cancer-risk-among-young-women-expert",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-11-01T21:09:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
    "slug": "myjoyonline-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.myjoyonline.com/shisha-smoking-increases-breast-cancer-risk-among-young-women-expert-warns/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Health authorities have cautioned that inhaling shisha smoke poses a significantly higher risk of breast cancer, particularly for young women. During a breast screening event organized to observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Blaise Ackom, Secretary for the Cancer Support Network Foundation, emphasized that shisha is far more hazardous than traditional cigarettes. Ackom explained that shisha contains dangerous carcinogenic chemicals, including heavy metals, lead, arsenic, and tar. The flavors, such as apple, strawberry, cappuccino, and mint, are appealing to young women, leading to prolonged use. According to Ackom, just one hour of shisha smoking is equivalent to smoking 100 cigarettes, exposing the body to harmful substances that can damage cellular DNA, leading to the formation of tumors, mostly in the breasts. He appreciated the Mahama Cares Trust Fund's support but stressed the need for additional funding. At the event, Richard Bansah, CEO of AppsNmobile Solutions, also highlighted the importance of early detection and lifestyle changes to mitigate cancer risks.",
  "summary": "Health experts have warned that smoking shisha significantly increases the risk of developing breast cancer, especially among young women.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}