[PSA and anthropometric measurements among Amazon Indians: an evaluation of the Parkatejê community]

PSA (prostate-specific antigen) screening for early detection of prostate cancer in a native community is of great epidemiological importance. The study was conducted with the objective of verifying the occurrence of prostate cancer among members of an Amazon community, as well as its possible relationship to acculturation and overweight (body mass index).

Lifestyle and anthropometric information was collected from a group of 22 men, presumedly over age 50, members of an isolated community of 363 Amazonian Indians--self-denominated Parkatejê and Kykatêjê--from Pará state, in Northern Brazil. In addition to physical and hematological exams, total and free PSA dosages were performed.

Total PSA serum levels ranged from 0.35 to 25.8 ng/ml. Three subjects had PSA levels greater than 4.0 ng/ml, and another two had levels between 2.5 and 4.0 ng/ml. Prostate biopsies performed on two subjects indicated the presence of prostate adenocarcinoma in one of them and of intraepithelial neoplasia on the other. Overweight (BMI> or =25 Kg/m2) and waist-to-hip ratio > or =0.9 were observed in 68.1% and 72% of subjects, respectively.

Changes in nutritional habits caused by contact with civilization, such as the substitution of more caloric foods for the traditional game and vegetable fiber are increasing the prevalence of overweight among the community. In view of the association between prostate cancer incidence, high-fat diet, and less physical activity, it can be assumed that further cases of prostate neoplasia will occur in the future, since several community members already have high PSA serum levels.