Smoking and prostate cancer

First study to show evidence of link between prostate cancer and smoking 

• Men who smoke after being diagnosed are less likely to survive treatment
• Men who quit reduced the odds of prostate cancer for 10 years afterwards
• Findings reiterate that “It is never too late to quit smoking”

There is a ‘clear link’ between smoking and a man’s risk of dying from prostate cancer, a new study has warned. Those who continue to smoke after being diagnosed are less likely to survive treatment – and even those who have quit have reduced odds for 10 years after kicking the habit.

Smoking is a known risk factor for the development of various forms of cancer.

However when it comes to the link between smoking and prostate cancer, the findings of previous studies have been contradictory.

Now, for the first time, an international study published in the journal European Urology, claims to have provided evidence of a clear link.

MedUni Vienna and Basle University Hospital in Switzerland conducted the research. It found that of cancer patients who had their prostate removed, smokers and ex-smokers had a much higher risk (specifically twice the risk) of the disease recurring.

‘Our study findings underline the importance of informing a prostate cancer patient about the negative effects of smoking,’ said Professor Shahrokh Shariat, of the University Clinic of Urology at MedUni Vienna.

The new research highlights a ‘clear link’ between smoking and a man’s risk of dying from prostate. Until now, the link between smoking and the development of prostate cancer has been uncertain.

And the researchers say it is still not clear, in scientific terms, whether (and, if so, to what extent) smoking is associated with the development of prostate cancer.

Older studies indicate that there is a clear association but recent studies show the opposite.

However, what is proven is that smoking increases the risk of dying from prostate cancer. Therefore, concludes Professor Shariat: ‘many questions about prostate cancer and smoking are still unanswered.