Abstract
Several studies have demonstrated links between cigarette smoking and prostate cancer. A population-based case control study which assessed the association between smoking and prostate cancer in middle-aged men concluded that smokers had an increased risk compared to non-smokers. The studies indicate that cigarette smoking may increase the risk of prostate cancer by affecting circulating hormone levels or through exposure to carcinogens. Several studies have called for intensified efforts to help men with prostate cancer quit smoking after a recent study revealed that patients who smoke during radiotherapy face a higher risk of both having the disease return and dying from it. Smoking not only compromises general health, it can also undermine the effects of cancer treatment. Others have indicated that, among patients with prostate cancer, those who smoke have increased risks of experiencing side effects from treatment and of developing future cancer recurrences, or even dying from prostate cancer. The studies suggested that smoking may negatively affect the health outcomes of patients with prostate cancer and may contribute to complications related to their care. These studies point to the importance of physicians counseling their patients regarding the potential harms of smoking interfering with the efficacy of therapies and for increased risks of side effects. In this project, we want to develop an evidence-based guidance, tools and advice on health services that are patients specific and tailored towards individual patient’s need to help quit smoking while undergoing PROSTATE CANCER treatment and to remain quit after treatment. We will develop an approach to help refine the program’s implementation model and improve the effectiveness and sustainability, starting with an assessment of the current state of the initiative.