Obesity Raises Risk of Prostate Cancer in Men

Obesity Raises Risk of Prostate Cancer in Men

Obesity and physical inactivity may account for 25 to 30 percent of several major cancers such as colon, breast, endometrial, kidney, and cancer of the oesophagus. Experts recommend that people establish habits of healthy eating and physical activity early in life to prevent overweight and obesity. Those who are already overweight or obese are advised to avoid additional weight gain, and to lose weight through a low-calorie diet and exercise. Even a weight loss of only five to 10 percent of total weight can provide health benefits.

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, N.C., found that obesity is associated with an increased risk of high-grade prostate cancer. The study was conducted over four years and involved 6524 participants.

The study tested Dutasteride (drug used for prostate cancer) 0.5 mg daily for PCa risk reduction in men with a PSA level of 2.5-10 ng/mL and negative prostate biopsy. 1,762 men (27 percent) were of normal weight, 3,429 (53 percent) were classified overweight, and 1,333 (20 percent) were obese.

The study found that men in the study group who were overweight or obese had a three-fold increased risk of cancer progression compared to normal-weight men, despite receiving the same treatment.

Additionally, overweight men had more than a three-fold increased risk of their cancer spreading to the bone compared to normal-weight men, while obese men had a five-fold increase in the risk of metastases.

Interestingly, earlier studies have also shown a correlation between height and prostate cancer. This probably has to do with the role of steroid hormones such as testosterone and estrogen that regulate both prostate development and height.

The Durham study has very compellingly added weight to the theory of a link between obesity and aggressive prostate cancer.

Posted in: Health News