Originally published January 31 2006
New studies claim prostate cancer can be predicted by a man's waist size
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Registered dietitian Karen Collins looks at recent studies that have suggested waist size is an effective predictor of prostate cancer.
Since prostate cancer is a common cancer faced by American men, it's understandable that a lot of media and scientific attention should focus on nutrients and phytochemicals that might help prevent this disease.
HealthWashington, D.C. - American Institute for Cancer Research - infoZine - But several recent studies suggest that many men may be overlooking a risk factor that is literally right in front of them: a bulging waistline.
In one of the new studies that show the risk from excessive body fat, among men treated for prostate cancer, those who had gained more than about three-and-a-half pounds a year between the ages of 25 and 40 were twice as likely to have this cancer recur as men who gained less weight.
According to this study, men who were obese when diagnosed with prostate cancer were more likely to have the cancer return than leaner men.
Bloods tests for prostate-specific antigens (PSAs) also link obesity with prostate cancer's return after prostate surgery in studies at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.
Researchers say the evidence suggests that obesity creates a more aggressive form of prostate cancer.
Although obesity may worsen the form of prostate cancer and increase the likelihood of its return, an association between excess weight and the risk of getting prostate cancer is not firmly established.
A man's sedentary lifestyle; high fat intake; low consumption of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and beans; or excessive calories could all contribute to his prostate cancer risk.
In a study that used CT (computed tomography) scans, also known as CAT scans, to measure body fat distribution, men with prostate cancer averaged about 50 percent more total abdominal fat than healthy men of the same age.
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