Saturday, January 10, 2009

The Relationship Between Cancer of Prostate and Smoking

By Catherine Howez

More than one source indicates that smoking causes serious health problems. In men, this includes possible development of potentially fatal cases of prostate cancer.

Cancer and Effects of Smoking

Evidence confirms that an indirect relationship between smoking and a variety of types of cancer definitely does exist. The development of this serious health problem usually starts out as an illness that attacks the respiratory system.

Further damage to the body occurs when the breakdown of the immune system takes place. This effect is most noticeable in people who have smoked heavily for several years.

For instance, men might experience various forms of malignancies such as prostate cancer advanced stages. This cancer may or may not have already spread to other areas of the body as well.

Risk Factors for Cancer of Prostate

Up to 66% of men who have ever smoked are at highest risk of experiencing the most advanced stages of cancer. The highest risk would be in those who presently smoke and the lowest risk is to those who quit smoking over ten years ago.

Additional research also supports the evidence that there is a strong relationship between smoking and cancer of prostate. Men who smoke have experienced varying stages of this cancer that may have spread to other areas of the body.

The most sever cases of any type of cancer including this one occurred in men who were observed that smoked for 20 to 40 years. This study was based on men who smoked one pack a day for 40 years or two packs a day for 20 years.

Answers for Men

Of course, the best time to make changes is before health problems of any kind emerge. However, it is usually never too late for a person to quit smoking.

Even if the risk of getting cancer of prostate is still high for men who just quit smoking it is never too late to make a change. With every passing year the risk of severity of this type of cancer is decreased. Quitting smoking could even save a man's life.

People are learning more ways to prevent prostate cancer. They know now that one of those ways is to quit smoking.

About the Author:

No comments: