Smoking linked to poorer sexual function recovery after prostate cancer surgery

What is it about?

This study investigates the association between smoking and functional recovery after radical prostatectomy (RP) for prostate cancer. Using a large cohort and standardized outcome measures, the researchers found that smoking was linked to lower sexual function scores in the first two years after RP. Patients who had ever smoked scored 11 points lower on the EPIC-26 sexual function scale compared to never-smokers. The impact was most significant in patients with high baseline sexual function scores (above 80). However, smoking did not appear to affect urinary incontinence outcomes. The study highlights the importance of smoking as a risk factor for post-RP sexual dysfunction and suggests that smoking cessation might improve functional outcomes after prostate cancer treatment. These findings contribute to the growing body of evidence on the relationship between smoking and post-prostatectomy recovery.

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Why is it important?

This research is important because it investigates the association between smoking and post-prostatectomy functional recovery in a large population-based cohort. Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men, and understanding factors that affect recovery after treatment is crucial for improving patient outcomes and quality of life. The study's findings contribute to the growing body of evidence on the negative impact of smoking on sexual function recovery after radical prostatectomy, which can help inform patient counseling, treatment decisions, and potential interventions to improve post-operative outcomes. Key Takeaways: 1. Smoking Impact: The study demonstrates that patients who had ever smoked scored significantly lower (by 11 points) on sexual function measures compared to never smokers during the 24-month follow-up period after radical prostatectomy. 2. Recovery Patterns: The research identified that sexual function scores initially drop at 3 months post-surgery and then consistently increase between 3 and 24 months, with smokers recovering at a lower rate throughout the follow-up period compared to non-smokers. 3. Baseline Function: Subgroup analysis revealed that patients with higher baseline sexual function scores (above 80) who had ever smoked experienced significantly less sexual function recovery after radical prostatectomy, emphasizing the importance of considering pre-operative function and smoking history in predicting outcomes.