Prostate Cancer And Smoking

Introduction

When the cells of the human body start to divide abnormally and grow in an uncontrolled manner, that is when an individual is said to have developed a form of cancer. The cells can grow in surrounding tissues or organs and may spread to other parts of the body. 

Prostate cancer, as the name suggests, is the cancer of the prostate gland.¹ The prostate gland forms a part of the male reproductive system.

This form of cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in people assigned male at birth (AMAB) in the UK and occurs more commonly among those aged 75 years and over.

Smoking is a well-known cause of cancer and a leading cause of death from cancer as toxins in cigarette/tobacco smoking can weaken the body’s immune system, leaving them vulnerable to illness. Although smoking is not associated with an increased risk of developing prostate cancer, research has found that smokers have a higher risk of death from prostate cancer when compared to non-smokers.^2,3

Understanding the prostate gland

The prostate gland is located at the base of the bladder. Its size resembles that of a walnut but grows larger with age. The urethra (the tube that carries urine and semen through the penis) is surrounded by the prostate. This prostate gland produces a protein called prostate specific antigen (PSA). A blood test can measure the level of PSA and an abnormally increased value is indicative of prostate issues.

Association between smoking and cancer

Smoking can cause cancer and can reduce the body’s ability to kill cancer cells by weakening the body’s immune system. It does this by altering the genome of your immune cells. Toxins released from cigarettes can weaken the body’s immune function making it harder to kill cancer cells. Poisons released in tobacco smoke can alter or damage the DNA sequences of the body cells. These processes lead to the uncontrollable growth of cancer cells, leading to tumours.

Symptoms of prostate cancer

In its early stages, prostate cancer does not usually cause symptoms. In its later stages, if prostate cancer has spread to other parts of the body, symptoms can include:

• Difficulty passing urine
• Back or bone pain even when adequate rest is taken
• Tiredness
• Unexplained weight loss

Prevention of smoking

To prevent smoking-induced cancer, you must not smoke cigarettes or just quit completely. It is also necessary to avoid passive smoking.

Studies have shown that when people stop smoking, their risk of developing cancer is reduced.⁴

It is recommended to seek help from a specialist and get support from your local stop-smoking services.

Also, different stop-smoking tools can aid in stopping smoking habits. They include prescription medicines, nicotine replacement therapy and e-cigarettes.

Prescription medicines

A doctor can prescribe stop-smoking medicines, which help to reduce cravings and thereby, help with nicotine withdrawal symptoms.

Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)

Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) provides nicotine to satisfy cravings without the harmful chemicals released from tobacco smoke. It is available in different forms, including: 

• Nasal sprays 
• Gums 
• Patches

NRT can be obtained through:

• A doctor via prescription
• A free local stop smoking service 
• A pharmacist or supermarket when buying over-the-counter

E-cigarettes

E-cigarettes (also known as vapes) are electronic devices that emit nicotine in the vapour the user inhales. They help satisfy nicotine cravings but do not contain tobacco, so are less harmful than smoking normal cigarettes. These can also be purchased from pharmacies or supermarkets. There is evidence that e-cigarettes can be effective in helping people to stop smoking.⁵

Summary

• Prostate cancer is the cancer of the prostate gland, a part of the male reproductive system. This type of cancer more commonly occurs in older people assigned male at birth (AMAB)
• Smoking is known to cause mutations in the DNA sequences and weaken the immune system. Thus, limiting the capacity of the human body to fight against uncontrollable cancer cells
• Although smoking is not associated with an increased risk of developing prostate cancer, research has found that smokers have a higher risk of death from prostate cancer when compared to non-smokers
• The best way to prevent this type of cancer is to avoid or quit smoking entirely as well as avoid passive smoking 
• It is also advisable to take measures against smoking by seeking help from an expert or at your local stop smoking services
• Various stop smoking tools are also available such as prescribed medications, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and e-cigarettes