Does long term use of inhaled symbicort affect immune system and thus provide extra risk for cancer . im an asthmatic smoker in need to use it and im worried . trying to quit smoking anyway ?

Anti-inflammatory...: Very little of the medication in an inhaler goes systemic-most of the dose stays right in the airways and provides local effect. There are 2 meds in Symbicort-one is a steroid and one is a long-acting bronchodilator. The steroid is to decrease inflammation and the bronchodilator is to keep the airways open. Inflammation in the airway can increase your cancer risk so this inhaler decreases that.

Cancer concerns: Dr. Ferranti provides excellent explanations of how the Symbicort does and dosen't affect your body. I think that the cancer threat you need to worry about is your continued smoking - not Symbicort.