Association of Benzodiazepine Use With Increased Cancer Risk Is Misleading Due to Lack of Theoretical Rationale and Presence of Many Confounding Factors

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To the Editor: In the April 2012 issue of the Journal, Kao et al examined the possible relationship between benzodiazepine use and cancer risk. While increased mortality with benzodiazepine use has been demonstrated in several studies, studies examining the association between cancer and benzodiazepine use have yielded conflicting results. Kao et al have attempted to demonstrate a possible relationship between benzodiazepine use and increased cancer risk; however, important limitations call into question the conclusions of their study.