Chemotherapy is a medical treatment that uses potent drugs to target and eliminate rapidly growing cells. It is most frequently used for cancer, as cancer cells typically exhibit accelerated growth. The effectiveness of chemotherapy relies heavily on a patient’s consistent adherence to medical guidance throughout the treatment period.
How Smoking Undermines Chemotherapy
Cigarette smoke compounds can disrupt chemotherapy drugs. Substances like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and nicotine induce certain liver enzymes. This accelerates the metabolism and clearance of chemotherapy agents from the body, leading to reduced drug concentrations in the bloodstream. Consequently, chemotherapy drugs may become less potent or ineffective against cancer cells, as they are broken down too quickly. This altered metabolism can also contribute to drug resistance, making it more challenging for the treatment to control tumor growth.
Exacerbated Treatment Side Effects
Smoking can intensify many common side effects experienced during chemotherapy. Chemotherapy often causes nausea and vomiting, and smoking can worsen these gastrointestinal symptoms. Patients who smoke also frequently report more severe fatigue, a widespread feeling of exhaustion.
Smoking irritates delicate tissues, which can exacerbate mouth sores, known as mucositis. Nerve damage, or neuropathy, a side effect like tingling or numbness, can also be amplified in smokers. The body’s compromised state during chemotherapy, combined with smoking, makes these side effects harder to manage.
Higher Risk of Serious Health Issues
Beyond typical side effects, smoking during chemotherapy elevates the risk of severe health complications. The immune system is already weakened by chemotherapy, making patients more susceptible to infections. Smoking further suppresses immune function, increasing this vulnerability and potentially leading to more frequent or severe infections.
Smoking also raises the risk of blood clots, which are particularly dangerous for cancer patients. Cardiovascular problems, like heart attacks and strokes, are also more likely in smokers undergoing chemotherapy. Additionally, smoking contributes to lung complications like pneumonia or acute respiratory distress syndrome, which can be life-threatening.
Impeded Healing and Increased Cancer Return
Continued smoking hinders the body’s ability to heal and recover from chemotherapy and surgery. Nicotine and other smoke byproducts impair blood flow and oxygen delivery to tissues, necessary for wound repair. This can lead to delayed wound healing, increased risk of surgical site infections, and complications after surgery.
For cancer patients, continued smoking increases the risk of the original cancer returning. It also elevates the chances of developing a new, secondary cancer. The DNA-damaging effects of tobacco persist, contributing to future cancer development and a poorer prognosis.