Smoking is known to be associated with numerous health risks, including lung cancer, heart disease, and respiratory issues.
In many countries, tobacco companies are required to include graphic warnings and images on their products, depicting the severe health consequences of smoking.
But still, the habit of smoking is prevalent in nearly 40 million people in the U.S. alone. According to the CDC statistics, over $170 billion are spent every year on medical care associated with cigarette smoking.
Most of us have heard the effects of smoking on lung cancer. But what about prostate cancer?
In this article, we will examine the connection between smoking and prostate cancer, shedding light on the potential risks and implications.
What is prostate cancer?
As the name implies, prostate cancer is a type of cancer that grows in the prostate gland. This type of cancer should be differentiated from benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH.
Both conditions involve the enlargement of the prostate, but BPH is non-aggressive and typically does not lead to significant health concerns. On the contrary, prostate cancer has a higher chance of complications.
In most cases, prostate cancer is silent and nonaggressive. It usually grows in older adults, and very slowly. Thus, patients are more likely to die from natural causes as compared to prostate cancer. However, there are exceptions to this rule, and that’s why it is essential to evaluate patients with urinary symptoms.
When it is contained inside the prostate’s capsule, this type of cancer is unlikely to cause symptoms. It is localized and nonaggressive prostate cancer. Thus, at this stage, all we can do is evaluate the risks of patients. When it grows a bit more, patients start having urinary symptoms. They are initially mild, and even though they worsen over the years, patients may fail to notice the difference.
Advanced prostate cancer carries a higher risk of spreading to other parts of the body, including the lymph nodes, bones, and other organs. The first stage of metastasis is to the lymph nodes. Then, prostate cancer cells can travel to the bones and other organs.
At this stage, patients may also start feeling other symptoms from, such as bone pain. But even in this stage, it is possible to keep prostate cancer in control. Some patients may live several years in this condition, depending on the type of cancer, its aggressiveness, and the therapeutic measures (1).
Risk factors for prostate cancer
There are several recognized risk factors for prostate cancer. Each one of them increases prostate cancer risk but may not trigger the condition by themselves.
We have modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors. The ones we can’t modify are as follows (2):
- Older age: According to studies, prostate cancer is more prevalent in the elderly. They have an increased risk, and it is scarce in men under 40 years old. Around two-thirds of the diagnoses of prostate cancer are made in patients over 65 years. According to autopsy studies, 50% of men between 70-80 years had prostate cancer. Since it was not fatal prostate cancer, many of them were not detected or treated.
- A family history of prostate cancer: A family history of prostate cancer: While there is a hereditary tendency for prostate cancer, the majority of cases are sporadic and not inherited. These genes are more commonly associated with the androgen receptor in the prostate tissue. Around 10 to 15% of patients diagnosed with prostate cancer have one or more family members with the same problem. The risk is higher if you have a family history in first-degree relatives (parents and brothers). Genetics and environmental factors may both contribute to this higher risk.
- African American ethnicity: Racial predisposition is a significant risk factor to consider in prostate cancer. The incidence and the risk of mortality rates are higher in patients with an African American ethnicity. The lowest risk can be found in Asian men, and Caucasians are associated with intermediate risk. This is not only due to genetics. It is also due to lifestyle and cultural factors that influence prostate cancer.
- Hormonal factors: Hormonal factors: Androgens, particularly, are associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer due to their role in prostate growth. Additionally, deficient levels of estradiol and the influence of insulin and insulin-like growth factors may also contribute to prostate cancer risk. Androgens, in particular, are associated with prostate cancer risk. They are essential for prostate growth, and very high levels can trigger cancer. Similarly, deficient levels of estradiol may also contribute to prostate cancer. Insulin and insulin-like growth factors may also be involved.
On the other hand, there are other risk factors we can change. They are (2):
- Diet for prostate health: Ongoing research is exploring the relationship between diet and prostate cancer. While the evidence is conflicting, some studies suggest potential risk factors such as alcohol, dairy, red meat, and saturated fat. Conversely, an increased consumption of fruits and vegetables appears to reduce the risk. Some studies recommend specific foods like tomatoes and allium vegetables, which may have protective effects.
- Bodyweight and physical activity: Bodyweight and physical activity: Obesity and overweight are associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer, particularly high-grade disease. Additionally, maintaining an active lifestyle is crucial for reducing the risk of prostate cancer. Body Mass Index at the time of prostate cancer diagnosis is also associated with mortality. According to studies, having a BMI higher than 30 leads to a higher risk of high-grade disease. It is also a predictor of biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer after surgery (radical prostatectomy).
- Vasectomy: Some studies have suggested a modestly elevated risk of prostate cancer associated with this procedure. However, the increase in risk is not substantial enough to question the use of vasectomy as a contraceptive method. Further research is needed to better understand the causes and potential solutions.
Smoking and prostate cancer
The association between smoking and prostate cancer, while the subject of ongoing research and some debate, is supported by a substantial body of evidence. If we analyze prostate cancer incidence, we will find contradicting results.
Some studies claim that smoking status increases the incidence of prostate cancer. Others show that there’s no significant relationship between these variables.
One researcher suggested an explanation. He said that this is maybe because smoking only makes cancer more aggressive. Since most prostate cancer cases are indolent and nonaggressive, the association is difficult to evaluate (3).
The association is clear if we analyze tobacco smoking versus prostate cancer mortality rates. According to studies, patients who smoke have an increase in prostate cancer death risk. The higher incidence is variable, from 9 to 30% increased risk.
Other studies show that the number of cigarettes is also important. The higher risk starts in those who smoke 20 cigarettes every day. However, even previous smokers may sometimes have a higher incidence (4).
Still, these results are a matter of debate. Recent studies indicate that individuals who smoke are less likely to undergo regular medical screenings for prostate cancer. Smoking is also associated with poor compliance with prostate cancer treatment and biopsies. That may partly explain why smoking patients have a higher-grade disease.
This may help explain why patients who smoke do not always exhibit a significantly higher incidence of the disease. They probably have an increased risk, but since they do not screen for prostate cancer as instructed, not all are detected (5).
But why is smoking associated with a higher risk of aggressive prostate cancer? There are many possible causes, according to a recent systematic review (6):
- Inflammation: Smoking causes inflammation, and this is commonly addressed in different situations. Studies show that smokers have a highly inflamed prostate compared to nonsmokers. Chronic inflammation of the prostate increases the concentration of cytokines and other substances. These act as growth factors and trigger the uncontrolled proliferation of the prostate. In these circumstances, the prostate cells are more susceptible to undergo mutations. In patients with cancer, inflammation feeds cancer and makes it more aggressive. It contributes to increasing the blood flow and the adequate conditions for cancer to keep growing.
- Carcinogenic substances: These substances are commonly found in tobacco products. There is a long list of carcinogenic substances under the group of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. These cause mutations as detected in vitro, and maybe the cause of prostate cancer aggressiveness. Another substance in cigarettes is cadmium. This carcinogenic has been found to influence prostate cancer directly. It interacts with the androgen receptor and stimulated prostate growth. In combination with androgens, it strengthens the effects of DHT in the prostate. Thus, it contributes to prostate cancer.
- Hormone changes: We can also find some hormonal changes in people who smoke. These individuals have higher concentrations of free testosterone, total testosterone. Moreover, they also have a more elevated total estradiol and free estradiol. The secretion of testosterone and its conversion into estradiol are both affected. What’s more, people who smoke a higher number of cigarettes have greater concentrations of estradiol. According to our current understanding of prostate cancer hormones, testosterone contributes to cancer growth, and estrogen induces more aggressive carcinogenesis.
- Gene polymorphism mutations: In some individuals, there could be a mutation in genes involved with detoxification. In normal circumstances, carcinogenic substances undergo a detoxification process. For example, they can go through an enzyme called glutathione-S-transferase. These facilitate the removal of the toxic substances and are synthesized in the prostate tissue. Not having these enzymes in the prostate tissue or having a mutation may promote prostate cancer. Other tumor-suppressing genes, such as the p53 gene, may also be involved.
In summary, the association between smoking and aggressive prostate cancer is well-established, while the overall incidence of prostate cancer remains relatively unchanged. Prostate cancer incidence remains almost the same. However, this is probably because smokers are less likely to screen for prostate cancer.
On the other hand, smoker prostate cancer patients are more likely to have an aggressive cancer type. They are more likely to die from prostate cancer or have complications. This is because there’s a significant increase in prostate tissue inflammation, the individual is exposed to carcinogenic substances, and hormonal changes favor prostate cancer.
The incidence of aggressive prostate cancer is higher still in patients with a mutation in enzymes that detoxify the organism.
Other side effects of smoking
Similar to prostate cancer, smoking is associated with a myriad of health conditions.
It’s noteworthy that approximately 62% of patients with prostate cancer are either current smokers or recent quitters. This association is more commonly observed in cases of lung and neck cancer. In some cases, former smokers. This association is more common in cases of lung cancer and neck cancer.
Quitting smoking has been shown to improve the survival rates of cancers such as prostate, lung, and neck cancer. It also reduces the risk of complications and can enhance the quality of life for prostate cancer survivors (7).
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), these are significant side effects of smoking to consider:
- Cardiovascular disease: Smoking causes a 2-fold to 4-fold increase of coronary heart disease and stroke. Even if you consume 5 cigarettes a day or less, you may have earlier cardiovascular disease signs. This is because smoking causes damage to your blood vessels. They become thicker and narrow down the available space for blood. It increases your blood pressure, your heartbeat, and the formation of blood clots.
- Respiratory disease: Smoking increases the risk of lung cancer 25 times compared to nonsmokers. It also causes COPD, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and other respiratory diseases. In patients with asthma, smoking can cause an asthma attack or make it worse.
- Cancer incidence: Besides prostate and lung cancer, smoking can also increase the risk of other cancers such as bladder, colorectal, esophagus, cervix, oropharynx cancers, and more. We have a higher risk of bladder cancer, colorectal cancer, esophagus cancer, cervix cancer, oropharynx cancers, etc. The risk of dying from cancer is also increased.
- Fertility problems: According to studies, smoking can affect fertility in men and women. In pregnant women, it is also associated with complications, such as preterm delivery. These women may also have an ectopic pregnancy, low birth weight, stillbirth, and other problems.
- Bone health problems: Smoking affects your bones, making them weaker. They are thus more susceptible to fractures. Tooth loss is also more common in smokers.
- Visual problems: Smoking can cause severe visual problems, such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.
- Metabolic problems: Smoking can cause type 2 diabetes and make it harder to control. The risk is 40% higher in smokers. Systemic inflammation is also increased, and the immune function is affected. That’s why it is also associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
Steps to quit
Smoking cessation can lower the risk of most of the side effects mentioned above.
Quitting smoking is a challenging endeavor, often accompanied by uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. But if you want to quit, you can start considering the following step-by-step guide:
- Make your decision: It is vital to make your decision and identify strong reasons to quit. Even if you tried to quit before, do it again and convince yourself it is for your own good.
- Choose a date and make a commitment: Choose a date and make a commitment: Setting a quit date is crucial for mentally preparing yourself to quit smoking. It provides a clear target to work towards.
- Inform people around you: If you have support, it will be easier to quit. Talk to people who will likely support you and tell them how they can help.
- Anticipate high-risk situations: Smoking is not only a substance addiction. You’re also psychologically addicted to certain conditions that trigger the urge to smoking. Identify and anticipate these high-risk situations and make a plan for each one of them.
- Replace the oral sensation: When you’re a smoker, your brain craves the sense of having a cigarette. You can replace that with raw vegetables, gum, hard candies, and other substitutes.
- Go through the first two weeks: Go through the first two weeks: These initial weeks are crucial as they are often the most challenging during the quitting process. Try to stay busy during these first two weeks and avoid reminders and high-risk situations. Keep your hands busy, find moments to relax, talk to people who offered their help. All of this may help you get through this difficult time.
- Celebrate your victories: Celebrate every step you take and every success you have. Think of how strong you have been if you ever have cravings. Refuse to let it win. Remind yourself about the reasons for quitting, such as better health, increased energy, and a smoke-free lifestyle.
Conclusion
Smoking has many health consequences, and one of them is more aggressive prostate cancer. According to studies, smokers apparently have a similar incidence of prostate cancer.
However, they also have lower compliance in prostate cancer screening. This may explain the similarities in prostate cancer incidence in smokers versus nonsmokers.
However, prostate cancer increases inflammation, exposes the body to carcinogens, and changes the hormone profile. All of these factors influence prostate cancer, making it more aggressive. That’s why prostate cancer mortality and its complications are more prevalent in patients who smoke.
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