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Obesity and prostate cancer
1Division of Urologic Oncology, Department of Urology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305-5826, USA. jpresti@stanford.edu
Current Opinion in Urology
|December 9, 2004
Summary
Obesity may influence prostate cancer risk, detection, and outcomes. While some studies show an inverse relationship in younger men or those with a family history, others find no link. Obesity is linked to worse outcomes after treatment.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Oncology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Obesity is a growing global health concern.
- Its association with various cancers, including prostate cancer, is under active investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current research on the relationship between obesity and prostate cancer.
- To update on findings regarding risk, detection, and prognosis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies.
- Analysis of epidemiological data and clinical series.
Main Results:
- Conflicting evidence exists regarding obesity's impact on prostate cancer risk.
- Obesity does not affect prostate-specific antigen (PSA) measurement but may lower detection rates in referral populations.
- Obesity is associated with poorer pathological features and higher relapse rates post-radical prostatectomy.
Conclusions:
- Emerging evidence suggests obesity plays a role in prostate cancer risk, detection, and patient outcomes.
- Potential mechanisms involve hormonal and inflammatory pathways.