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Inuit are protected against prostate cancer
Eric Dewailly1, Gert Mulvad, Henning Sloth Pedersen
1Public Health Research Unit, CHUQ-Laval University, Sainte-Foy, Québec, G1V 5B3 Canada. eric.dewailly@crchul.ulaval.ca
Summary
Prostate cancer appears rare in Greenlandic Inuit, with only one invasive case found in 61 autopsies. A traditional diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids and selenium may offer protection against prostate cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Epidemiology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Prostate cancer incidence and mortality are reportedly low in Inuit populations.
- Accurate medical diagnosis in the Arctic presents significant challenges, necessitating further supporting data.
- Autopsy studies offer a method to investigate disease prevalence in remote populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the actual incidence of prostate cancer among Inuit in Greenland.
- To explore potential protective factors, such as diet, against prostate cancer in this population.
Main Methods:
- An autopsy study was conducted between 1990 and 1994 in Greenland.
- The study included 61 deceased males representative of all deaths in Greenland during the period.
- Histological examination was performed on available autopsy samples (n=27).
Main Results:
- Only one case of invasive prostate cancer was identified among the 61 autopsies.
- Histological data from 27 autopsies revealed no instances of latent prostate carcinoma.
- In situ carcinoma was found to be rare in the studied Inuit population.
Conclusions:
- The findings support the notion that prostate cancer is rare among Greenlandic Inuit.
- The traditional Inuit diet, abundant in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and selenium, is suggested as a potential protective factor against prostate cancer.