Smoking Habits, Physical Activity and BMI as Predictors of Cognitive and Affective Function in Patients with Prostate Cancer

Objective: To assess modifiable risk factors for prostate cancer -smoking, physical activity, and obesity-in PC survivors, and their relationship with cognitive and affective functioning. Methods: The study included 118 prostate cancer survivors. Clinical and psychological data were collected. Participants completed questionnaires on health risk behaviors. Cognitive functions were assessed using the Neurotest battery; anxiety and depression were measured via the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Statistical analyses included correlations and between-group comparisons (with post hoc tests). Results: Smokers recalled fewer words in the Verbal Memory Test. Current smokers also performed worse on the second Verbal Memory Test trial (p=0.035) and had slower response times in the Visuospatial Memory Test (p=0.013). Obese individuals had slower Go/No-Go reaction times compared to non-obese participants (p=0.02). No other cognitive or affective differences were found. Conclusion: Our preliminary findings suggest that smoking may impair memory in prostate cancer survivors. The relationship between physical activity, obesity, and cognitive and affective outcomes appears more complex and warrants further investigation.