June 24, 2011 - Men with prostate cancer who are cigarette smokers at the time of their diagnosis are much more likely to die of the disease or experience a recurrence than non-smokers, according to a new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Even smokers who quit at least 10 years before the diagnosis are more likely to be subject to these negative health effects. The study followed 5,366 men diagnosed with prostate cancer between 1986 and 2006 for eight years. Men who were actively smoking when they were diagnosed were 61% more likely to die and 61% more likely to experience a recurrence than non-smokers. Heavier smokers and those who smoke for longer periods of time tend to fare the worst. This may be due to carcinogens in tobacco or higher levels of testosterone associated with smoking, which could lead to accelerated tumor growth. It is important to urge patients to quit as early as possible since even men in their 30s may be harboring cancerous tumors in their prostates.

For more information, please visit http://news.health.com/2011/06/21/smoking-prostate-cancer/