Decatur, TX – The latest study gives new facts on how smoking can negatively affect your body.

While the link between cancer and smoking has long been established, researchers have uncovered yet another reason why kicking the habit is smart. A new study out of Switzerland’s University Hospital reveals that men who continue to smoke are two times as likely to see a return of prostate cancer following treatment than those who do not.

“This latest study adds more evidence to a growing body of research that shows just how negatively smoking impacts the body,” says Dr. Gregory Echt, the founder and lead surgeon at North Texas Cancer Center at Wise. “Taking proactive measures to kick the habit is important at any time in life, but for cancer survivors doing so can be even more critical.”

The Swiss study involved 7,200 men who had undergone prostate removal for cancer treatment. A third of the men were current smokers, a third had kicked the habit and a third had never smoked in their lives. Researchers found that the current smokers and those who had only quit within the decade prior to treatment were roughly twice as likely to see cancer reemerge than those who had never smoked in their lives.

“The recurrence rate for prostate cancer among smokers has been witnessed in other forms of the disease, as well,” Dr. Echt says. “Kicking the habit is one of the smartest things just about anyone can do to not only lower their chance of a post-treatment recurrence, but also to protect against the development of a variety of cancer types in the first place.”

Quitting smoking is a difficult undertaking for many, Echt acknowledges.

“This habit is one that grabs ahold of a person by creating both a physical and psychological dependence,” he says. “To effectively leave the habit behind, it’s important for smokers to address both of these dependencies. Smokers can help themselves by speaking with a physician for advice and assistance in breaking the habit. Doing so can have positive impacts not only in reducing cancer recurrence risks, but also in improving overall health.”

About the Center:
Established by leading radiation oncologist, Dr. Gregory Echt, North Texas Cancer Center at Wise provides a full range of cancer treatment options including chemotherapy, radiation therapy (IMRT, IGRT, and SBRT), prostate seed implantation, MammoSite therapy, access to PET/CT scanner, hormonal therapy, and combination therapy. For more information visit northtexascancercenteratwise.com