The Relationship Between Obesity and Prostate Cancer

Cancer in the male reproductive system, like that of the female system is largely driven by an increase in the level of hormones which, in turn, leads to cellular activity and the potential for tumor development. Medical researchers are uncertain what role obesity might play in these varieties of the illness.

 

A recent study explored the relationship between obesity and survival rates of prostate cancer victims. Dr. Carmen Rodriguez, head epidemiologist at the American Cancer Institute, looked at the data from two large ACS studies, which ran from 1959 through 1972 and 1982 through 1996. The total number of participants was in excess of 800,000.

In the first study the researchers found a positive correlation between obese men and higher death rates from prostate cancer. Interestingly, when height was also factored in, those individuals who were both tall (73 inches or taller) and obese had the greatest risk. The lowest risk was among men 65 inches or shorter.

The second study did not reflect the height connection, although the risk in this group also rose corresponding to higher BMIs. Little difference in height was noted across the age groups evaluated in the second study.

One plausible explanation is that, the shorter individuals in the first study may have had inadequate nutrition during childhood and adolescence, resulting in lower production of testosterone and growth hormones. The height of the men in the first study may have been determined more by nutrition during the developmental years than genetics: those that had better nutrition grew taller and produced more testosterone and growth hormones during the rapid growth period of adolescence. This period also coincides with the development of the prostate. In the second group early nutritional inadequacy was not an issue, so height was most likely determined by genetics, not nutrition.

High levels of testosterone and growth hormones stimulate cellular reproduction in the prostate, which could influence the risk for developing prostate cancer.

While height appears to be a factor, what this study really showed was that regardless of height, obese individuals generally have lower survival rates than those within a healthy weight range. These results will, undoubtedly spawn new research into the disease and its mechanisms.

Information on symptoms, screening methods, and treatments is available at Prostate Cancer Information.