Cigarette Smoking, Alcohol Consumption and the Risk of Prostate Cancer- A Retrospective Analysis of Prostate Cancer Patients in Southern Nigeria https://doi.org/10.60787/NMJ-62-6-66

Abstract

Background: Tobacco contains harmful carcinogens that have been associated with cancers. Some studies have associated tobacco smoking with prostate cancer (PCa). The relationship between alcohol consumption as a risk factor for prostate cancer has been debated. Some studies associated alcohol consumption with increased risk of PCa, associating alcohol consumption with higher-grade cancers and poorer prognosis. Other studies have found a minimal relationship with PCa, with some even suggesting that alcohol consumption may even be protective.  This study evaluates the association between smoking and alcohol consumption in prostate cancer patients.

Methodology: This is a retrospective study on one hundred and fifty-two patients diagnosed with prostate cancer with a known history of both smoking and or alcohol consumption managed over a 9year period from January 2012 to December 2020 from three Urology referral hospitals. Patients with incomplete history were excluded. Their data such as age, a history of cigarette smoking, prostate-specific antigen level, prostate biopsy histopathology reports, and Gleason’s grade were extracted. This was coded and analyzed. The results were analyzed and presented in tables and charts.

Results: One hundred and thirty-five patients had a premorbid history of smoking and alcohol consumption with a mean age of 69years and a modal age in the 70-79year age group. Fifty-three (39.3%) of the patients had a history of cigarette smoking, and ninety-four (69.6%) had a history of alcohol consumption. In comparison, fifty-one (37.8%) had a history of cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption. The high-risk Gleason’s 8-10 prostate cancer was commoner among smokers than nonsmokers. There was no statistically significant association between cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption alone and combined with PCa.

Conclusion: The high-risk Gleason’s 8-10 prostate cancer was commoner among smokers than nonsmokers. There was no statistically significant association between cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption and the risk of prostate cancer.