Smoking is associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer mortality

This study examined the link between smoking and the risk of mortality from prostate cancer. Authors reported that smoking increased mortality risk in patients with prostate cancer, particularly for heavier smokers.

Advances in early detection of prostate cancer have led to a growing number of men living with prostate cancer. To date, however, only few preventable risk factors have been identified. Tobacco use is a known risk factor of several cancers. Some early studies have linked smoking to prostate cancer mortality. However, more high-quality evidence is needed to examine this relationship.

The aim of this study was to analyze the link between smoking and prostate cancer outcomes.

The results of 51 separate study were pooled into a single analysis. These included a total of 4,082,606 participants. Of these, 50,349 had prostate cancer and a total of 11,823 deaths from prostate cancer were recorded. All studies measured prostate cancer outcomes and recorded current or past cigarette smoking of participants.

Current cigarette smoking increased the risk of death from prostate cancer by 24% compared to non-smokers. Smoking more cigarettes per day further increased the chance of prostate cancer mortality.

Having ever smoked increased mortality risk from prostate cancer by 18%. Previous tobacco use in participants who stopped smoking was associated with a 6% increase in the risk of death from prostate cancer.

The results of the studies included showed mixed results for the association between smoking and developing prostate cancer. Overall, smoking did not significantly increase the likelihood of developing prostate cancer.

Authors concluded that smoking increases the risk of prostate cancer death, particularly for heavier smokers. Authors advised that smoking appears to be a modifiable risk factor of mortality in patients with prostate cancer.

Data collection and measurements likely varied across the 51 studies included in analysis.

Discuss with your doctor methods to help break the smoking habit.