Prostate cancer risk in men increases with high blood pressure, blood sugar, and body mass index. Researchers looked at 289,866 men enrolled in a study called the Metabolic Syndrome and Cancer Project.
With the average follow-up time of 12 years, 6,673 men were diagnosed with prostate cancer and 961 died from the disease. Men with high blood pressure and high body mass index (BMI) were at 36 and 62 percent higher risk, respectively, for prostate cancer-related mortality. Furthermore, men with higher metabolic factor scores also had a higher risk of dying from prostate cancer.
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The study did not find an increase in the risk of developing prostate cancer due to metabolic factors. Metabolic factors were only associate with a higher risk of death from prostate cancer. Study lead Pär Stattin said, “These observations suggest that cardiovascular risk factors such as overweight and hypertension are involved in stimulating the progression of prostate cancer.”
Prostate cancer risk factors
A study uncovered that age, race, and family history were the strongest risk factors for prostate cancer. High blood pressure, cholesterol, vitamin D deficiency, inflammation of the prostate, and vasectomy were also found to add to the risk. On the other hand, obesity, alcohol abuse, and smoking showed a negative association with prostate cancer.
The researchers looked at data from over 12 million men of which 5.35 percent had prostate cancer. The researchers then used statistical analysis to look at the independent variables to determine which factors contributed to prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer prevention
Some risk factors for prostate cancer are unchangeable – like age, race, genetic mutation, or family history. But other factors can be modified – including high blood pressure and obesity.
Here are some tips to help you lower your risk of prostate cancer based on modifiable risk factors.
- Eat a healthy diet
- Exercise regularly
- Watch your calcium intake
- Eat more fish
- Eat more tomatoes and olive oil
- Avoid smoking
- Drink alcohol in moderation
- Treat high blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol
- Reduce stress
Following these tips may not only help your reduce your risk of prostate cancer, but may also help improve your overall health.
Devon Andre has been involved in the health and dietary supplement industry for a number of years. Devon has written extensively for Bel Marra Health. He has a Bachelor of Forensic Science from the University of Windsor, and went on to complete a Juris Doctor from the University of Pittsburgh. Devon is keenly aware of trends and new developments in the area of health and wellness. He embraces an active lifestyle combining diet, exercise and healthy choices. By working to inform readers of the options available to them, he hopes to improve their health and quality of life.
