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Dietary fat and prostate cancer: current status
L N Kolonel1, A M Nomura, R V Cooney
1Cancer Etiology Program, Cancer Research Center, University of Hawaii, Honolulu 96813, USA. larry@crch.hawaii.edu
Journal of the National Cancer Institute
|March 10, 1999
Summary
The causes of prostate cancer remain unclear, but research suggests dietary fat may play a complex role. Further investigation is needed to identify specific fat components and their interaction with other factors in prostate cancer development.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Epidemiology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Prostate cancer incidence rises with age, varies geographically and by ethnicity, and has a familial component.
- Exogenous factors are implicated due to incidence changes in migrant populations.
- Early research suggested dietary fat as a potential cause, but evidence has since weakened.
Purpose of the Study:
- To re-examine the hypothesis linking dietary fat to prostate cancer risk.
- To review current scientific understanding of fat's role in carcinogenesis.
- To identify areas for future prostate cancer research.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive review of English-language literature.
- Inclusion of epidemiologic studies.
- Inclusion of animal studies and current concepts on fat in carcinogenesis.
Main Results:
- The relationship between dietary fat and prostate cancer risk remains plausible.
- Specific fat components responsible for the association are not yet identified.
- The fat-prostate cancer link is likely complex, involving interactions with other dietary and genetic factors.
Conclusions:
- Dietary fat may contribute to prostate cancer risk.
- The precise mechanisms and specific fat types involved require further elucidation.
- Future research should explore the interplay of dietary fat with nutrients and genetic susceptibility in prostate cancer.