You already know that smoking is one of the most addictive habits that you can have. Smoking causes bladder and lung cancer and heart disease. You need to realize that tobacco use increases your chance of prostate cancer and can lead to the most aggressive type of prostate cancer. This aggressive cancer metastasizes, in other words, it spreads to other parts of your body, making it more difficult to cure.  

A 2018 prostate study published in JAMA Oncology reported: “We found that current smokers are at higher risk for biochemical recurrence, metastasis, and cancer-specific mortality compared with nonsmokers.” 

The chemical link is not clear yet, but it is known that the toxins in cigarettes leave the body through urine. Your urine flows through the urethra that is surrounded by the prostate. 

Symptoms of prostate cancer

Watch for the following and contact your doctor if you have:

• Pain during urination or ejaculation
• Erectile dysfunction
• Frequent urination and/or a decreased urine stream
• Blood in urine or semen
• Pelvic area pain or discomfort

Cutting the habit

It is difficult to break a smoking habit by yourself, but you can take the first steps. Decide why it is important for you to quit. Being a healthy male should be the main focus. Choose a date you want to quit and ready yourself for some anxiety, grumpiness, and headaches. 

Personal support

Several health plans now offer individual or group counseling for smoking cessation. If not, contact your doctor or local American Lung Association to find a group near you.  

Nicotine replacement

Since nicotine is the most addictive chemical found in tobacco, your doctor may encourage the use of a nicotine replacement. These can be in the form of a patch, lozenge, nasal spray, or gum. If one doesn’t work, don’t give up, try a different form.